Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 4th Week of Lent – Wednesday – John 5:17-30

The daily Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent is John 5:17-30.

After Christ heals the ungrateful cripple by the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, the healed man reveals Christ’s identity to the Jews who accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath, an offense punishable by death. Christ rebukes His accusers by proclaiming that the Father continues to give life on the Sabbath and Christ the Son also restores the ill to life on the Sabbath. The Jews are furious and seek to kill Jesus for not only breaking the Sabbath (as they understand it) but also for blasphemy (Christ makes Himself equal to God the Father).

Despite the Jews’ outward hostility, Christ fearlessly makes bolder revelations. Christ reveals His divine intimacy with the Father: the Father loves the Son with a divine intimacy; the Father teaches the Son and the Son is compelled to imitate the Father; the Father grants power to the Son, allowing the Son to do marvelous things, including the ability to raise the dead. In addition to divine intimacy, Christ reveals His authority: the Father grants the Son divine authority; the Father grants the Son equal honor; the Father gives the Son the power to call and raise the dead; the Father gives the Son exclusive authority to execute judgement and the ability to be merciful (to save by raising from the dead) and to condemn (to remain in death).

Christ demonstrates Divine Mercy by warning men to respect His awesome authority and power. Christ urges men to “hear my word” and believe in the Father so they might have eternal life. At the Judgment, those who have “done good” enjoy the “resurrection of life” while those who have “done evil” suffer the “resurrection of judgment.” Christ affirms His authority comes from the Father and that Christ’s judgment will be just, for He does the will of the Father.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ has Perfect Love with the Father and has been granted all authority and power by the Father. Son of Man, Christ walks among men offering the love of God. Divine Judge, Christ has the authority and will judge justly.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1)  Even today, hearing Christ’s revelations of a special and divine intimacy with God the Father of all Creation is stunning. Ponder with awe what Christ is claiming.

2) In the day-to-day joys and sorrows of life, men can lose sight of Heaven.  During Lent, reflect on the truth of the Resurrection (CCC 992-1004) and pray for Christ to help you hunger for Heaven.

3) Christ reveals that men who have “done good” will enjoy the Resurrection.  During Lent, consider Christ’s call to do good works of Charity and Mercy (CCC 1458, 1473, 1829, 2044-2046, 2447) and pray for Christ to help you do good works every day.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – Saint Joseph

Virtue of the Day – Temperance

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the imprisoned

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To comfort the sorrowful