BELIEVING THE WORD OF JESUS (JN 4:43-54)
Prayer:
O Jesus, you can do all things. Help me to believe.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with the royal official pleading for his son.
Context:
This is the second time in John’s gospel that Jesus reveals his power. This second miracle also takes place at Cana, and has some similar aspects. First, Jesus’ initial response seems like a refusal. Yet, the official sees that it is not a definitive refusal. He grows in faith, “believing in the word Jesus spoke to him.”
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus went to Cana of Galilee where he made the water into wine. A certain royal official, whose son was sick at Capernaum, came to him because he heard that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee. He asked Jesus to come down and to heal his son, who was at the point of death.
Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you do not believe.” The official said to him, “Lord, come down before my son dies.” Jesus said, “Go home. Your son lives.” The man believed the word which Jesus said and went home.
On his way home, his servants met him, bringing word that his son lived. He asked the hour when this happened. “Yesterday, at the seventh hour, the fever left him.” The father knew that this was the same hour that Jesus said, “Your son lives.” So he and his whole household believed. This was the second miracle that Jesus did upon returning to Galilee.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus returned to Galilee, which was filled with faith. Jesus’ fame had spread everywhere.
- Having heard of Jesus’ miracles, the royal official comes with great faith.
- The son occupies first place in the man’s heart and he wants Jesus to heal.
- Jesus’ reply seems harsh, much like his answer to his mother at Cana.
- Even so, the man’s love for his son causes him to renew the request.
- Jesus acts at a distance, knowing that the son is healed.
- The official, also, is satisfied. He does not press Jesus to come with him.
- Without seeing, he “ believed in Jesus’ word.”
- When the servants brought the news, the official has no doubt that Jesus healed his son.
- His faith grows. All in the house believe. He became a Church member. That is how we have the story.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, how many requests I have in my heart right now.
- O Lord, I come before you with my heart filled with desires.
- I seek no sign, I believe you are the Christ, Son of the living God.
- I need not say “Come to my house.” You are already with me.
- Your power has no limit. Time and place present no obstacles.
- Let me see your power in every event of my life.
- O Jesus, we will believe in you, all my family, and my friends.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask Jesus for his help in every need.
+ I will allow faith to grow within.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Go home. Your son lives. He and his whole household believed.