It is 29th March 2017. The readings are from Isaiah 49:8-15; and the Gospel from John 5:17-30. God offers a hope-filled vision from Isaiah. The first reading is the most consoling message that sounds too good for those who are in pain, hunger, thirst, incurable sickening conditions, disappointment, and feeling left out and sidelined by the very people they belong and very specially for those God’s people who were returning from exile. God assures and promises us that God would answer our petitions, helps and consoles us in a favourable time and would never forget us because we are God’s children. “In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you” (Is.49:8). Lent is the most favourable time to enjoy God’s unfailing love and security. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Is.49:15) It is humanly impossible that a loving mother would forget her child. Even in some exceptional and special cases of human conditions, a mother would forget, God would never forget us. Let no life condition over prevail the assured love of God and let us not undermine God’s love in any inhumane conditions of our living. God’s love is extremely tender, and supple that could alter any painful and hopeless situations. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord is kind and full of compassion.” (Ps.144:8). As we are the appointed covenant of God, so Jesus is the covenant of God’s people. The Gospel illustrates that how a prejudiced and small minds desires to disturb the unity and oneness of the Father and the Son Jesus. Giver and sustainer of our lives is God. Through the inseparable identification of the Father and the Son, we begin to experience the love of the Father in Jesus in His care, support and healing. Our identity and faith in Jesus must make us more loving, merciful and ever-forgiving during this Lent and thereafter. Let there be no tension and conflict in our faith and action. As that of Jesus, let our response be constant, consistent and reliable always as a believer. May you have a good day. God bless you.