The depth of the Faith of the Royal official

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 4:43-54*

*First Reading - Is 65:17-21*

*The depth of the Faith of the Royal official*

*1) He had only heard about Jesus*

First of all he didn't know much about Jesus. He might have heard about Jesus and His miracles

Neither he had seen Jesus personally, nor experienced Him in a close way, it didn't hinder him from approaching Jesus abs asking help from Him

The above factors show us that how much he had faith in Jesus and how deep his convictions about Jesus. 

*2) The Son was at the death bed*

When some one close to us, are on the death bed, we can't think of leaving them and going away, whatever may be the circumstances

The Royal officials son was not only ill, but he was at the death bed

In such a situation, the royal official can't think of leaving him and going, because at any moment the person may die

The royal officials son was in such a situation. So he was difficult for him to leave and Go

*3) The Royal official himself goes to Jesus*

The son is about to die. Even in such a situation, he leaves the Son to meet Jesus 

On the one hand, leaving the son who was about to die, involves a tremendous courage and also profound faith in the person of Jesus 

A person with ordinary faith can't do such a noble thing

*4) He leaves the son who was about to die*

This first of all shows the depth of his faith in the person of Jesus 

By remaining at home in no way he can change the situation. So he opts to risk himself in searching for a solution

The solution is to meet Jesus and to bring him. So he himself moves into the action 

*5) Could he have sent some one else in his place?*

Since it involves a great risk and there was a lack of time, there wasn't a sufficient time to discuss about it. 

Sending others may not be so effective, since their faith also matters a lot while requesting Jesus to come home. 

The moment he himself jumps into the action, it shows that, that the matter is bit serious and not an ordinary one 

So sending others would not be so  effective because he doesn't know the reality in its totality. That is why the Father himself had to go. 

*6) By leaving something, he gains the huge thing*

He took the risk of leaving his son who was about to die,

This great risk yielded abundant fruit in terms of his son getting well completely. 

Risk always involves great reward. To reach this goal, we need to grow in our courage, determination and focus in our mission 

So let us leave many things, which are at times necessary, and trust in the Lord. 

Lent is a time to leave  many things and to take risks in order to make our life holy and blessed. 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*