March 27, 2026
Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Gospel: John 10:31-42

Today is Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent. The passage from the Gospel according to Saint John continues to present the dialogue between Jesus and the Jews.

We often judge those around us by our own standards, choosing friends from those who obey us and viewing those who do not conform to our wishes as enemies. At times, we may even act like those Jews, unwilling to accept those who, following their conscience, do what the Lord considers good—even if they do not submit to our desires (cf. John 10:31-33). This is because we refuse to embrace the light of the World (cf. John 8:12), preferring to remain enslaved to the ruler of this world and his minions.

In reality, a perfect Christian does not live by their own will, nor do they judge others arbitrarily by their own standards. Instead, they strive to imitate Christ in every aspect of life, fulfilling the will of God the Father. Those who act according to God’s holy will no longer follow the cravings of the flesh, which alienates them from God and makes them His enemies. Rather, they are guided by the Holy Spirit, longing to receive God’s Word and the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, uniting perfectly with Him. They no longer see God with mortal, earthly eyes but with immortal, spiritual ones. Their actions are no longer as fickle as those of people living in a transient world; instead, they resemble Jesus Christ, always fulfilling God’s will. Through their lives, others see the face of the merciful Father, come to believe in the Word of God preached by Jesus Christ, and resolve to join Him in building the Kingdom of God in this passing world.

The Kingdom of God spoken of by Jesus is a kingdom where the only God is the God of love, a kingdom cantered entirely on God, where there are no more political parties or classes—only the God who loves and the people loved by God. Those who belong to this Kingdom no longer pursue personal gain but the good of all.

As we draw closer to Holy Week, let us now offer this prayer to God:

O God, who in this season give your Church the grace to imitate devoutly the Blessed Virgin Mary in contemplating the Passion of Christ, grant, we pray, through her intercession, that we may cling more firmly each day to your Only Begotten Son and come at last to the fullness of his grace. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica