Father and Son

Reflection Date: March 18, 2026 | Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Daily Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30

Children of God:
Do you still remember the song “Father and Son”? 

“Its not time to make a change, just relax. 

Take it easy, you’re still young. 

That’s your fault. 

There’s so much you need to know.”

“Father and Son” was a 1970 folk-rock song by Cat Stevens. 

The song explored the generational conflict between a father advising caution and a son seeking his own destiny. 

The father in the song wanted safety and stability for his child. The son wanted freedom and a chance to find his own path. 

The lyrics sounded like a conversation that never fully met. 

The father spoke from experience. The son spoke from passion. Many families related to this tension. 

The son complained that he was ordered to listen, but when he speaks, the father turns away. So, in the end, he just said:

I have to go away. I know I have to go away.

The song became timeless because it captured a common human struggle.

In the gospel story of John, Jesus also spoke about a Father and a Son. 

But unlike the song, there was no conflict between them. 

Instead of disagreement, there was deep unity. 

Jesus said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (John 5:17). 

This statement shocked his listeners. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Stay connected to the Father.

Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). 

He showed complete trust and obedience. He did not act independently from the Father’s will.

In our lives, we sometimes want to act alone. We decide without prayer. We move without guidance. We rely only on our plans and our strength.

Jesus taught us that true strength comes from connection. When we stay close to God in prayer, we gain clarity and peace. 

Today, we ask ourselves: Do I begin my decisions with God, or only with myself?

Second, Trust the life the Father gives.

Jesus said, “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes” (John 5:21). 

He spoke about giving life, not only physical life but eternal life. He revealed that the Father entrusted judgment and authority to him.

The people around him struggled to understand this. Some even opposed him. But Jesus remained firm because he knew who he was and where he came from.

In our daily struggles, we face moments of doubt and fear. We worry about our future and our worth. 

Yet the same Father who trusted the Son also calls us his children. 

Do I trust that God is working in my life even when I do not see it clearly? Do I believe that God wants to give me life, not punishment? Do I allow God’s voice to guide my choices today?

Children of God:
Jesus did not compete with the Father; he revealed the Father. 

He did not seek his own glory; he followed the Father’s will. 

We too are invited into that relationship. 

We are not called to walk alone. 

We are called to listen, to trust, and to journey with the Father who called us His children.