“My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”

john 5:17

John 5:17-30

Reflection

Jesus declares his role as the Son of Man, given authority by the Father over the living and dead, able to cast judgment, and give life to whom he will.

Jesus calls God his Father – quite a bold statement. The Jews disliked this because Jesus was making himself equal with God, which he is. But this also opens the path to our relationship with God, who truly is our Father.

God the Father is not some distant being, a cold authority who could care less about you. He is closer than you can imagine, with a loving and tender heart. He desires that you be united to him for all eternity. Jesus reveals this beautiful aspect of the Father to us.

Reflect on your relationship with God the Father. How do you view him – as a distant divine figure or a loving father? Jesus leads us to him through his example as Son, for we are beloved sons and daughters of God.

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Saint of the Day

St. Francis of Paola: 1416 – 1507

“Be peace-loving. Peace is a precious treasure to be sought with great zeal. You are well aware that our sins arouse God’s anger. You must change your life, therefore, so that God in his mercy will pardon you. What we conceal from men is known to God.”   St. Francis of Paola