4th week in Lent, Monday – 28th March 2022 — Gospel: Jn 4,43-54
Believing in the Promises
The royal official in this story, probably, went to Jesus as a last resort, as his son was not merely ill but at the point of death. He must have explored and exhausted all other avenues, until he heard about Jesus’ healing ministry. He was single minded in his purpose and will let nothing deter him. However, on approaching Jesus and inviting Him to his house, the royal official got a blank instruction, “You may go; your son will live.” Although he must have been disappointed like Naaman before prophet Elisha, the official believed in Jesus’ words and returned back home. His persevering hope and unwavering faith gains for him and his family, not only his son’s life but also the gift of faith. In counter checking with his servants about the news of the boy’s return to health and the exact hour, the royal official affirms more firmly his blind belief in Jesus’ words and the fulfillment of the promise of healing. Not for sure, whether Jesus wished to test this royal official of his blind faith in his promises by asking him to go home. However, the father’s faith in Jesus saved his son: “The man believed what Jesus said to him.”
