March 16, 2026
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Gospel: John 4:43-54

We are drawing closer to Holy Week. Starting this week, the Gospel readings in the Liturgy of the Word are taken from the Gospel according to St. John. Today, St. John tells us what happened after Jesus left Samaria.
In our daily lives, we often seek help from others. For example, when we encounter urgent difficulties, we often place our hope in our neighbours, whom we see as our saviours; or when we are ill, we entrust our hope of recovery to medical staff, believing that those who care for us with dedication will heal our illnesses with their skilled medical expertise. All of this is built on trust and reliance.
In today’s Gospel passage, a royal official from Capernaum, whose son was ill in Capernaum, disregarded his status and came to Cana to ask Jesus to go personally to Capernaum to heal his son. Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” Full of faith, he returned home. While still on the way, his servants met him and told him that his son was alive. This is the fruit of worshipping the Father in spirit and truth.
Similarly, today, having received the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ by faith and the Anointing of the Holy Spirit by faith, we must always believe in God and live out the grace He has given us. May the favor that Christ bestows upon us be shared more abundantly with those who do not yet know Christ through all that God works in us, so that they may see the notable changes in our lives, turn away from all evil and vanity like us, renounce all that is ours, courageously take up our cross, follow Christ, and walk toward holiness.

O God, who renew the world
through mysteries beyond all telling,
grant, we pray,
that your Church may be guided by your eternal design
and not be deprived of your help in this present age.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica