Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent March 24, 2004 Scripture: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17 30 Reflection: Yahweh, who always sees the misery of his people and hears their cries, reassures all those in bondage. “Can a woman forget her baby at the breast? Feel no pity for the child she has borne? Even if these were to forget, I shall not forget you.” - Isaiah 49:15 What do Jesus’ opponents see? First, he has broken the Sabbath. Secondly, and worse, he has made himself the equal of God. Jesus, the condemned, turns the tables and becomes the prosecutor. Spiritual blindness and unbelief are his opponents’ crimes. Far from making himself equal to God, Jesus claims his unity with God. He sees, as his father sees, the misery of God’s people. He judges as he is told to judge; and his judgment is just, because of his unity with the father’s will. In my daily conversations with God do I present my situations to God and ask, “What is going on here God?” Being united with God in this way allows me to identify my false filters and to become informed about my current situation. Suggested Action: Today, how is God calling me to deepen my compassion, to see as he sees and hear as he hears? Sister Jacquelyn Donohue, IHM Somerville, New Jersey