By Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: Is 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Is 49: 15). Today, the liturgy of the word invites us to recognize our relationship with Jesus.
In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s assurance of good life for everyone. When we have a good relationship with God, we are blessed with his assurance of a good life. God has assured us that he will answer our favours, deliver us from sins, feed us along the way so that we never be hungry and thirsty.
This is so abstract that the prophets needed to share the interpretation with people. But it is not the case in the gospel as Jesus places himself as one among the people. Therefore, in the gospel reading, Jesus explains his relationship with God, the heavenly Father.
This is like the relationship between parents and children, like experiencing God as a father and mother who cares and loves us every day. By knowing Jesus, we come to know how our heavenly Father loves us. Through Jesus we learn about the true nature of God, that he is ever-loving, merciful, generous, and kind. Jesus revealed his father’s nature to all without discrimination. As Christians, we need to resemble Jesus in our life. Our words, actions, and attitudes should reveal to others that we are the followers of Jesus. This will become possible only when we develop a good relationship with Jesus.