Day Twenty-Five: A Love That Restores
Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent
Scripture Passage:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed.” (John 5:19–20)
Opening Reflection:
Love has a restorative power. It heals broken relationships, mends wounded hearts, and rebuilds what was lost. The Gospel today invites us into the mystery of Christ’s perfect unity with the Father—a love so deep that it restores humanity to God. This divine love is not distant or unreachable; it is present in our own lives, waiting to transform us.
Meditative Reflection:
At the heart of Jesus’ words is a revelation of divine intimacy. The Son does nothing apart from the Father, and everything He does reflects the Father’s will. In this, we find our calling—to live in such closeness to God that our actions mirror His love. Yet, many times, we find ourselves estranged from God and others, much like broken family ties or friendships lost over time. Wounds of the past, pride, or fear often keep us from reaching out. But Jesus invites us to restore what is broken, just as He restores us to the Father.
The story of reconciliation shared in the second reflection reminds us that even the most distant relationships can be healed. Just as an email rekindled a lost bond between a mother and daughter, God reaches out to us, inviting us back into communion with Him. He waits for us to take that first step, whether it be through a heartfelt prayer, a sincere apology, or an act of love that mends what was torn.
Reflection Questions:
Are there relationships in my life that need healing? Do I believe in God’s power to restore what seems lost? How can I reflect the love of the Father in my actions today?
Lenten Question:
Q: What is the ultimate purpose of Lent?
A: Lent is a time of conversion, leading us back to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It prepares us to fully embrace the joy of Easter by deepening our faith and renewing our hearts in Christ.
Lenten Action:
Reach out to someone you have been distant from. A simple message, call, or act of kindness can be the first step toward healing and restoration.
Concluding Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all love and restoration. Help me to embrace the grace of reconciliation in my own life, to seek healing where there is division, and to mirror the perfect love of Your Son. May I grow closer to You in this Lenten season and reflect Your mercy to those around me. Amen.
Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:
Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent
Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/