Monday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

In Isaiah 65: 17-21, the Lord says He will create new heavens and a new earth.  He promises a world of joy where there will be no crying and only joy. 

Our Christian tradition teaches us that God gave us His only Son Jesus to save us—to create a better world.  My first reaction is where is this better world?  I see poverty, injustice, unfair distribution of wealth, wars, abuse of power, destruction of our planet, etc.  Then I am reminded of Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel,” his encyclical on climate change, and his call for all of us—Christians and non-Christians alike—to be agents of peace, justice, inclusion, love, and care of God’s creation.

In the Gospel, John 4:43-54, Jesus leaves Samaria for Galilee, noting that “a prophet has no honor in his native place,” an expression that we still use frequently today.  He returned to Cana, where He had performed His first miracle, changing water into wine.  Here, Jesus performs His second miracle, curing the young son of a government official who had faith in Him.

Prayer

I believe it is appropriate to borrow the Prayer of Saint Francis:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is sadness, joy.”

To that I would add, “Please let me set a good example in caring for Your creation and sharing our resources.”

Fran Thompson, M’98, Member of the Worshipping Community

 

 

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b
Gospel: John 4:43-54

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website