Scripture:
Reflection:
The Responsorial psalm in today’s readings captures so aptly today’s gospel:
“I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”
Jesus had reproached the people who followed him with the titillating expectation that he would perform something remarkable, even sensational, before their eyes. Instead, Jesus demonstrated that the most amazing power comes from his word.
Today’s gospel tells the story of the royal official who approached Jesus in desperation — in a kind of foxhole prayer. His son lay in mortal illness at home. He urgently begged Jesus to heal his son. “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
In a most unsensational way, Jesus said to the royal official, “You may go, Your son will live.” Jesus’ simple declaration was all it took. ”The man believed in what Jesus said to him and left.” Undoubtedly, the royal official returned home praising the Lord who rescued not only his son from death, but him from despair to belief. Indeed, he and his whole household came to believe in Jesus the Christ.
As with the royal official, Jesus challenges us. Will we believe that the words of Jesus pack life-giving power for us? Will we believe that the Word of God is enough to conquer death and lead us to eternal life?
The story of the royal official is our story. When we received ashes on our foreheads at the beginning of Lent, we heard the words, “Repent and believe in the gospel.”
During this Lenten season, we are called to believe the way the royal official believed — and to praise the Lord for he has rescued us.
Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.