Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Desperation! It is obvious in the times in which we are living that many people are acting out of fear and desperation. Just as some among us are traveling far distances and waiting hours in line to buy the material items we need, the royal official in today’s gospel journeys almost 20 miles from Capernaum to Cana out of desperation, looking for Jesus. He wants to save the life of his child. He must be desperate; he is a man of high standing in the kingdom yet he is seeking out one who has no standing in the kingdom ruled by Herod.

But this royal official has something we all need in times of trouble: faith and hope. He has not seen Jesus perform any signs firsthand, yet he hopes that Jesus will consent to help and he believes that Jesus can heal his dying son. When Jesus grants his request, the man is no doubt confused – doesn’t Jesus need to accompany him to Capernaum to heal the child? But Scripture tells us that he believes nonetheless, and soon discovers that his son is recovering from the deadly illness.

The takeaway from this gospel story is that Jesus is able to help us – even from afar – if we but ask for what we need in faith. While this story begins with a desperate plea for help, it ends with a father’s prayer answered. This is the “happily ever after” we know God will grant us. “Ask and it shall be given you.” (Lk. 11:9)

Through our work at Catholic Charities, we daily work with the desperate. Those individuals and families desperate for a home, a job, a change of status and desperately looking for acceptance, love and support. In our Lenten journey, may we be reminded of the royal official in today’s gospel who with faith and hope experienced the unconditional love of Jesus.

Let us pray.
With the psalmist, I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me,
Sometimes from circumstances beyond my control,
And sometimes from myself.
Continue to rescue me from my anxiety and fears, and
Help me to be like the royal official in John's Gospel, 
Believing in your power to heal.
Strengthen my faith in your mercy and goodness,
Trusting that you can and will “create new heavens and a new earth.”
I ask this in the name of Jesus the Healer. Amen.

Kathy Freeze is the Director for the Center of Community Involvement at Catholic Charities of New Mexico. When Kathy is not busy working, she enjoys family time, playing volleyball and traveling with her husband, Geoff.

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