Tag: Son of Man

“I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” | Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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.

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 9:43b-45)

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Jesus performs miraculous works among the people, causing astonishment among them and the disciples. When he speaks to the disciples, Jesus explains that he will be betrayed. Although the disciples do not comprehend his words—perhaps fearful of hearing unnerving details—they were afraid to ask him to tell them more about the saying “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” Jesus asks that the disciples pay attention to him and hear his words. Yet, what they are afraid to learn more about is the beginning of Christ’s suffering and death, the means of reconciling humanity to God through his death and resurrection. What particular message is there in the Gospel, the word of God, that alarms and causes anxiety? Whatever it is, God’s love is there within it.

God, help me understand that you work in ways I fail to comprehend. In the first reading, you say to Zechariah through an angel: “But I will be for [Jerusalem] an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst. . . . See, I am coming to dwell among you.” You are always present, Lord, encircling me even when I look ahead and believe there is reason to fear. Again, in the responsorial psalm, you turn mourning into joy and gladden the sorrowful. “The Lord will guard us a shepherd guards his flock.” In yesterday’s reading, Jesus said to Nathanael, indicating the glory of your heavenly kingdom: “You will see greater things than this.” Give me a resolute heart, Lord, to pay attention to your word and trust in your love.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” Saint Jerome, pray for us!

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaVQ82g2C4