GOD’S LOVE ABOVE THE LAW

BY VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

1st Reading: Is 49:8-15; Psalm: 144. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 5:17-30

Jesus began his lengthy defence as to why he healed this man at the pool of Bethzatha on a Sabbath. One very clear explanation Jesus gave was his indivisible connection with God his Father. He plainly argued that he does nothing of his own accord but as a true missionary of his Father, he only does what he sees his Father doing. Jesus’ appeal to God was to validate his works and decisions and reveal to the world that he was a true missionary of the Father. For a true missionary does nothing in opposition to the wish of the one who sent him.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel.” (Jn 5:19-20). By these words, Jesus was also trying to convince the Pharisees that the marvelous works he does can only be possible through divine connection. And that God was only making his works visible through him. If God therefore can defy the Sabbath rule to heal, then it means that something is greater than the Sabbath rule. And that is love.

Love was very visible in the healing of this man. A love that disregards laws once the wellbeing of the human person is at stake. Today, the baton to carry on this love has been handed over to us. We have become the ambassadors of Christ. And our mission statement should read: “We can do nothing of our own accord, but only what we see Jesus doing; for whatever Jesus does, we are called to do likewise.” And if this is our mission statement, then love for the wellbeing of others should precede any human law in all cases. What made Jesus a true missionary of his Father was his compliance to his Father’s will. What will make us true ambassadors of Christ is our obedience to Christ’s teachings.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Lord Jesus, give us the grace to do your will always. Amen.