Just imagine your only son is very sick and you have taken him to many doctors, but in vain. Your friend tells you about a famous God-Man whom you approach with all humility but he simply says to go home because your son has become well. Would you believe it? It is very difficult to believe, but the court official believed it. Besides his humility we must appreciate his faith.

St John says this was the second sign Jesus performed in Galilee — his gospel contains seven signs which are miracles. Thus, the first sign in Cana — changing water into wine signifies the wedding feast of the Messiah and the joyful union of God with His people. The court official's son, on the verge of death becoming well again, has the overtone of eternal life. Jesus does not simply restore physical life, but He also gives eternal life. It is in this context the Psalm sounds so appropriate, and we too join in praising the Lord who rescues us from death and gives life.

During Lent we look forward to Easter of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In faith we must see that Christ's victory over death is our victory as well. God will create one day a new heaven and a new earth as we hear it in the first reading. Provided we keep our faith and trust in Jesus, we will enjoy that new creation through our resurrection with Jesus from death.