The Work of the Father and the Son : My Father is at work until now, so I am work.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Fourth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 5:17-30*

*First Reading :Is 49:8-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18*

*The Work of the Father and the Son : My Father is at work until now, so I am   work.* (John 5:17)

*1) The Continuity of God’s Work*

From the beginning of creation, God has been at work, not only in creating the universe but also in sustaining it. 

While Genesis 2:2 says that God *rested* on the seventh day, this does not mean He stopped working entirely.

God continues His work of providence (Psalm 121:4: *He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.*).

Jesus affirms that, just as the Father never ceases to care for His creation, He too must continue the work of healing, restoring, and saving.

*2) Jesus’ Divine Identity and Mission*

By calling God *My Father,* Jesus asserts His unique relationship with God, which the Jewish leaders understood as making Himself equal to God (John 5:18).

This statement confirms that Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher but truly divine, sharing in the Father’s work of redemption.

John 5:19 further emphasizes this: *The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.*

This means Jesus’ actions are in perfect harmony with the Father’s will.

*3) The Work of Redemption*

The Father’s work is not just about creation but also about salvation—restoring humanity from the effects of sin.

Jesus, as the Son, actively participates in this divine mission. 

His healings, teachings, and ultimately His sacrifice on the cross are part of God’s work of redemption.

John 4:34: *My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.*

Jesus’ entire life was dedicated to fulfilling the Father’s plan of salvation.

*4) The Call to Share in God’s Work*

As disciples of Christ, we are invited to join in this divine work. 

Jesus tells His followers in John 9:4: *We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day.*

This means we are called to continue Christ’s work of love, healing, justice, and evangelization in the world.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His disciples to make more disciples, baptizing and teaching them. 

This is part of the ongoing work of God through His Church.

*5) The Sabbath and True Rest in Christ*

The Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing, but Jesus shows that true rest is found in Him.

Matthew 11:28: *Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”* 

Jesus Himself becomes the fulfillment of the Sabbath by offering spiritual rest through salvation.

The work of God, therefore, is not about mere rules but about bringing healing, freedom, and eternal life.

*6) Final Word*

John 5:17 reveals the deep unity between the Father and the Son in their divine work. 

God’s work is continuous—creating, sustaining, and redeeming the world. 

Jesus, as the Son, participates fully in this mission, showing that His work is an extension of the Father’s. 

As followers of Christ, we are also called to share in this work, bringing His love and salvation to the world.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*