Table of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 49:8–15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8–9, 13cd–14, 17–18 (R. 8a)
Verse before the Gospel: John 11:25.26
Gospel: John 5:17–30
Theme: God’s Unfailing Love
Reflection
Today's first reading is extracted from Second Isaiah” also known as Deutero-Isaiah. Here we see something deeply consoling and at the same time challenging
In this reading, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah with a tenderness that almost feels human: “Can a mother forget her infant?” It is a question that strikes the heart. The expected answer is “No.” And yet, God goes further: “Even if she does, I will never forget you.”
This is not just poetry it is revelation. It tells us that God’s love is not dependent on our worthiness, our consistency, or even our faithfulness. It is rooted in who He is. In a world where people are easily forgotten, replaced, or abandoned, God remains constant.
Many times during this moment of an intensed spiritual journey (Lent), we become more aware of our sins, weaknesses, and spiritual inconsistencies. We may even begin to feel unworthy of God’s attention. But today’s message interrupts that lie: God does not forget you.
Yet, the Gospel takes this reflection deeper. Jesus does not simply speak about God’s love, He embodies it. When He says, “My Father is working still, and I am working,” He reveals a God who is not distant or passive. God is actively involved in our lives, even when we do not perceive it.
Jesus also speaks of His authority, the authority to give life, to judge, and to reveal the Father. This can feel intimidating at first. But within the context of God’s unfailing love, His authority is not oppressive but one which is life-giving.
Christ exercises authority not to condemn, but to restore. Not to crush, but to raise up.
This invites a personal question:
Do I truly trust in the love of God, or do I still live as though I am forgotten?
Many of us carry silent burdens: past mistakes, hidden fears, unanswered prayers. We may pray, but deep down, we wonder if God is really listening. Today, Jesus assures us that the Father is always at work. Even when nothing seems to be changing, God is working beneath the surface - shaping, healing, preparing.
Finally, lent therefore, becomes a journey from doubt to trust. It is a call to surrender our need to control everything and to rest in God’s providence. Peace be with you!
Prayer
O God, who reward the merits of the just and offer pardon to sinners who do penance, have mercy, we pray, on those who call upon you, that the admission of our guilt may serve to obtain your pardon for our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Thought for the day
“Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new; late have I loved You!”
— St. Augustine of Hippo
Lenten Commitment
Today, I will return consciously to God by setting aside a quiet moment for sincere prayer,
renewing my awareness of His presence,
and making one deliberate effort to respond to His love with trust and obedience.
© ARCHIVE 18032026
In this reading, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah with a tenderness that almost feels human: “Can a mother forget her infant?” It is a question that strikes the heart. The expected answer is “No.” And yet, God goes further: “Even if she does, I will never forget you.”
This is not just poetry it is revelation. It tells us that God’s love is not dependent on our worthiness, our consistency, or even our faithfulness. It is rooted in who He is. In a world where people are easily forgotten, replaced, or abandoned, God remains constant.
Many times during this moment of an intensed spiritual journey (Lent), we become more aware of our sins, weaknesses, and spiritual inconsistencies. We may even begin to feel unworthy of God’s attention. But today’s message interrupts that lie: God does not forget you.
Yet, the Gospel takes this reflection deeper. Jesus does not simply speak about God’s love, He embodies it. When He says, “My Father is working still, and I am working,” He reveals a God who is not distant or passive. God is actively involved in our lives, even when we do not perceive it.
Jesus also speaks of His authority, the authority to give life, to judge, and to reveal the Father. This can feel intimidating at first. But within the context of God’s unfailing love, His authority is not oppressive but one which is life-giving.
Christ exercises authority not to condemn, but to restore. Not to crush, but to raise up.
This invites a personal question:
Do I truly trust in the love of God, or do I still live as though I am forgotten?
Many of us carry silent burdens: past mistakes, hidden fears, unanswered prayers. We may pray, but deep down, we wonder if God is really listening. Today, Jesus assures us that the Father is always at work. Even when nothing seems to be changing, God is working beneath the surface - shaping, healing, preparing.
Finally, lent therefore, becomes a journey from doubt to trust. It is a call to surrender our need to control everything and to rest in God’s providence. Peace be with you!
Prayer
O God, who reward the merits of the just and offer pardon to sinners who do penance, have mercy, we pray, on those who call upon you, that the admission of our guilt may serve to obtain your pardon for our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Thought for the day
“Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new; late have I loved You!”
— St. Augustine of Hippo
Lenten Commitment
Today, I will return consciously to God by setting aside a quiet moment for sincere prayer,
renewing my awareness of His presence,
and making one deliberate effort to respond to His love with trust and obedience.
© ARCHIVE 18032026
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