March 17, 2021: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Today's Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031721.cfm

Today’s readings serve as a reminder to rely on our faith that the Lord is always present and to trust in the belief that he will never abandon us. Jesus is with us to provide support, to forgive us, to respond to our requests and to act as a model for us. He invites us to follow His example when living our lives and to rely on Him if we lose sight of His presence.  

In the Gospel reading we are told to follow Jesus’ example. Just as He emulates his father, God the Father, He serves as a model for us to follow. “….the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does the Son will also do. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does.” (Jn 5:17-30). If we are open, available to listen and willing to support those around us we will be following Jesus’ example, and in turn that of God the Father. Forgiveness, sharing and love will be easier to accomplish. However, if we find ourselves straying from His example, we can look to the first reading to help us “get back on track”. For it is in Isiah 49:8-15 that we are told the Lord will never abandon us. He is all giving and all forgiving. Even on the darkest days, He will respond to our requests and provide love, understanding, support and forgiveness. 

It is easy to believe in His presence when all is going well, but it becomes more difficult to maintain our beliefs and know how to react when we are faced with challenges. Knowing, as stated in the responsorial psalm of today’s readings that the Lord is “gracious and merciful”, “faithful in all His words” and “just in all His ways” should help sustain us through all our days.

- Libby Skinner, Director of Accessibility Services, Caldwell University 


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