From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. The Lord is gracious and merciful.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 5:17-30, today’s readings)
“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”
Jesus continues to be persecuted by some of the Jews. He responds to them by saying, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For saying this, John tells us that they try all the more to kill Jesus. Through the love of the Father, Jesus does the Father’s will and performs works to bring salvation “so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” Jesus sets an example for all who follow him, revealing that he is the just judge—the Son of God who perfectly performs the Father’s will and has “possession of life in himself.” May all honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
God, strengthen my faith in your Son and help my unbelief: The One who is the resurrection and the life offers eternal life, saying, “whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.” Lord, help me listen to Jesus and follow his example. He says he can do nothing on his own yet at the same time through you he has power to exercise judgment and “give life to whomever he wishes.” If Jesus does your will and can do nothing on his own, give me the grace to understand and accomplish your will for me. I know you hear me, Lord. As you say through Isaiah: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” Jesus, I trust in you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.