Reflection Date: March 16, 2026 | Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54
Children of God:
Recently, Pope Leo XIV urged diplomacy amid rising tensions involving Iran and the growing fears of conflict in the region.
He called on world leaders to choose dialogue instead of violence and to remember the human cost of war.
Many diplomats echoed the same appeal, stressing that negotiation is always better than retaliation.
In Bangkok, the Federation of Asian Bishops also gathered and voiced a united call for peace across Asia and the Middle East.
They encouraged prayer, fasting, and active efforts to build bridges between divided nations.
Church leaders emphasized that every bomb dropped affects families, children, and the poor.
They appealed to governments to step back from threats and step toward understanding.
In the gospel of John, a royal official approached Jesus because his son lay sick in Capernaum.
The father begged Jesus to come down and heal his child.
Jesus responded, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe” (John 4:48).
Still, the father persisted and pleaded for help. Then Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live” (John 4:50).
The man believed the word Jesus spoke and started on his way.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, Trust God’s word even before you see the result.
The royal official did not see an instant miracle.
Jesus did not travel with him to his house. There was no dramatic sign in front of his eyes. There was only a promise spoken in simple words.
The father chose to believe. He turned around and walked back home with nothing but that promise in his heart.
While he was on the way, his servants met him with the good news that his son recovered. They told him the exact hour the fever left, and he realized it was the moment Jesus spoke.
In our lives, we often want proof before trust. We want solutions before surrender.
But faith sometimes means walking home while the problem still looks the same.
We need to learn to hold on to the word of Jesus even when we do not yet see the change.
Second, Let your faith bless your whole household.
When the father confirmed the time of healing, he and his whole household believed.
His personal trust became a blessing for his family. One act of faith spread hope inside his home.
His decision did not stay private. It influenced the people around him. His household saw what trust in Jesus could do.
Faith moved from one heart to many hearts.
Today we ask ourselves: Do I trust God even when I do not see immediate results? Does my faith give hope to my family and community? When I choose peace, patience, and prayer, do others see something different in me?
Our faith is never only for ourselves; it can become light for others.
Children of God:
In times of global tension and personal crisis, we remember that a simple word can carry great power.
Diplomacy works when people believe that dialogue still matters.
Faith works when we believe that God’s promise still stands.
World leaders are invited to walk toward peace with courage in their decisions.
Families are invited to walk through trials with hope in their prayers.
We do not always see instant results, but we continue to believe.
So that in God’s time, God will grant what our heart truly desires.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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