We approach the mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus this 4th week of Lent reading the Gospel of John from today into Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. John’s gospel casts a special light on the final dark days before the Word made flesh returns to his Father. 

In today’s gospel, a government official from Capernaum begs Jesus to come and heal his son.“Your son will live,” Jesus tells him.The man believed what Jesus said, and on his way back his servants meet him with the news that his boy will live. (John 4, 43-54)

The father is like God the Father whose love will never let death claim his Son but raises him to life. In John’s gospel, Jesus affirms repeatedly his firm union with his Father. “The Father and I are one.”  “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”  It’s a theme we’ll hear often these final days of Lent. 

God is not heartless before the mystery of death, this second sign in John’s Gospel says. God is the God of life.

.John’s gospel was the favorite gospel for St. Paul of the Cross who saw our journey in the light of Jesus’ journey to his death and resurrection. We have another life before us, we die mystically in this one. We’re called to rest in the bosom of the Father.

 “I recommend to you never to rest in this life’s gifts and the joys they bring, but look with faith and love on the journey to God in nakedness and poverty of spirit, losing all in him, not looking back on your suffering or on any spiritual understanding you have, but rest in naked faith and pure love on the bosom of God, completely clothed in Jesus Crucified.” (Letter 914)

O God, let me rest in you 

even now, even before my earthly journey’s done,

through the merits of Jesus Christ, your Son.