Good morning, good people! May the Lord give you peace, prosperity, and health in the Holy Spirit. It is April 2, 2025. We reflect on Isaiah 49:8-15 and John 5:17-30. Pope St. John Paul II reminds us, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”
How open are we to embracing the loving mercy of God? God offers a hope-filled vision in the Book of Isaiah. The first reading is one of the most consoling messages, bringing comfort to those in pain, hunger, thirst, incurable sickness, disappointment, and rejection—especially for God’s people returning from exile.
God assures us that He hears our petitions, helps us in times of trouble, and will never forget us because we are His beloved children: “In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you.” (Isaiah 49:8)
Lent is the most favourable time to embrace God’s unfailing love and security. The Lord affirms His everlasting commitment to us: “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.” (Isaiah 49:15)
It is humanly unimaginable for a mother to forget her child. Even in exceptional cases where a mother may forget, God never will. Let no trial, suffering, or rejection make us doubt the assured love of God. His love is tender and powerful, capable of transforming even the most painful and hopeless situations.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this truth: “The Lord is kind and full of compassion.” (Psalm 144:8)
A young man, burdened by a lifetime of mistakes, once approached a priest, saying: “I have sinned too much. I don’t think God can forgive me.” The priest smiled and pointed to a crucifix, saying: “Do you see that? That is the proof that God’s love is bigger than your sins. He has already forgiven you; all you need to do is return to Him.”
The Gospel (John 5:17-30) highlights how small-mindedness and prejudice led some to oppose Jesus and His unity with the Father. But God alone is the Giver and Sustainer of Life. Through Jesus, we experience the Father’s love in His care, support, and healing.
As believers, our faith in Jesus must shape us into more loving, merciful, and forgiving people—especially during Lent and beyond. Let us ensure that our faith and actions are in harmony, without conflict or contradiction. Like Jesus, let our response to God be constant, consistent, and reliable.
Lent is an opportunity to open wide the doors of our hearts to Christ, allowing Him to transform our doubts into faith, our fears into trust, and our burdens into His grace. May this Lent be a time of renewal, healing, and deeper faith.
May you have a blessed day. God bless you.