My Father is Working until Now and I am working

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  Fourth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  John 5:17-30*

*First Reading : Is 49:8-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : 145:8-18*

*My Father is Working until Now and I am working*

*1) What “work” is Jesus speaking about?*

Here, Jesus is not talking about ordinary human labor like earning a living. He is referring to the continuous, loving action of God the Father in the world.

God’s “work” includes: Sustaining creation (keeping life going), Showing mercy and compassion, Healing and restoring people, Bringing salvation

When Jesus says “I am working,” He is saying: “I am doing the same divine work as the Father — giving life, healing, saving.”

*2) Why did Jesus say this?*

In that passage, Jesus had healed someone on the Sabbath, and people questioned Him.

By saying this, He reveals: God’s love never stops, even on a Sabbath. Doing good, giving life, and showing mercy is always right. Jesus is united with the Father in purpose and action

*3) What does this mean for us?*

“My father is working, I am working — what about me?”

This is where the message becomes very personal.

We are also called to “work,” but in a deeper sense:  Not just for survival, but to participate in God’s work.

*4) How do we “work like the Father”?*

We imitate God’s work in our daily life through:

*A) Acts of love and compassion* : Helping the poor, supporting someone in need, forgiving others.

*B) Doing our duties with sincerity* : Your job, your responsibilities — when done honestly and lovingly — become part of God’s work.

*C) Bringing life, not harm* : Encouraging others, not hurting them; building, not destroying.

*C) Serving beyond convenience* : God doesn’t “take a break” from loving — we are invited to love even when it’s difficult.

*5) The deeper significance*

This verse teaches us: 

God is always active in our lives — even when we don’t see it

Work is not just physical effort — it is participation in God’s mission

Every small good act has divine value. So your daily work is not separate from God. It can become a continuation of God’s love in the world.

The Father works → gives life, love, care

Jesus works → reveals that love through action

We work → continue that love in our own lives

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*