Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“My Father is working still, and I am working.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 5:17-30), Jesus makes it quite clear that he is the Son of God sent to give us life. Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.” Jesus not only claims to be the Son of God, but has demonstrated His great power by healing the sick and freeing people from the demons that possess their lives. Jesus even raised a person from the dead to show the people of Israel that he has power over death. But most importantly, Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” If we desire eternal life with God, then we need to commit ourselves to the word of God. Jesus tells us that the day is coming when “all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.” When you face your judgment, where is it that you want to go? The decisions we make today will decide our eternal fate. It is up to you. Lent is a time to refocus our path and to give our life to God. Jesus sets the example. He tells us that “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” This is what he expects of us. He expects us to follow the example set by Christ. He tells us that we must be willing to sacrifice our lives for others. New life comes to those who yield to the way of Christ.

A Simple Prayer Father God, you sent your son as my example. Give the strength to follow his way. Fill me with your grace so that I may be a servant to others.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon