Day Twenty-Six: Obedience in the Mystery of God’s Love
Thursday, Fourth Week of Lent – April 3, 2025

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.” (John 5:19)

Opening Reflection:
Obedience is often seen as a sacrifice, a yielding of one’s will to something greater. In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus, the Son of God, living in perfect obedience to the Father. This obedience is not out of obligation, but a reflection of the deep unity and love that exists within the Holy Trinity. Jesus’ perfect submission to the Father is the model for us—showing that obedience is not about control but about trust and communion. As we journey through Lent, we are invited to reflect on how we respond to God’s call to live in obedience to His will.

Meditative Reflection:
Obedience to God is not simply about following rules or fulfilling duties. It is about entering into the mystery of divine relationship. Just as Jesus lives in perfect unity with the Father, we are invited into that same relationship. The Gospel today reveals that everything Jesus does is in alignment with the Father’s will. There is a profound trust in this obedience—a trust that the Father knows what is best and that His love will always guide and sustain.

Reflecting on this in light of our own lives, we see that it is not always easy to surrender our will. There are times when we feel distant from God, when we struggle with doubt or fear. Yet, like the loving mother in the first reflection, who never forgets her child, God’s love for us is unwavering. He is always there, inviting us to return to Him, to trust in His perfect plan, and to align our lives with His will. This is the obedience that brings us closer to God and transforms us.

Reflection Questions:
How can I grow in my obedience to God’s will? Are there areas of my life where I struggle to trust God completely? How can I reflect the love and unity of the Holy Trinity in my relationships today?

Lenten Question:
Q: How can obedience deepen our relationship with God?
A: Obedience is a response to God’s love, a way of aligning our hearts with His divine will. It allows us to experience His presence more fully and strengthens our union with Him. Through obedience, we grow in trust and intimacy with God.

Lenten Action:
Take time today to reflect on an area of your life where you are struggling to obey God’s will. Offer a prayer of surrender, asking the Holy Spirit to help you trust and follow God’s guidance more deeply.

Concluding Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Your love for us is beyond comprehension. You invite us into perfect union with You, just as Jesus is united with You in perfect obedience. Help me to grow in trust and to surrender my will to You, knowing that Your plans for me are filled with love and hope. May this Lenten season deepen my obedience and strengthen my relationship with You. Through Christ our Lord, 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/