John 4: 43-54
When the two days were over, Jesus went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet’s own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival.
Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my little boy dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, “Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.” The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Transformational, Not Transactional
Yeah, so I’m kind of a jerk.
In today’s Gospel, John describes a royal official who approaches Jesus and pleads for the healing of his son. Jesus, coming off a rough run of busy days and not always being welcomed, says “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Yet the official persists. He believes. And Jesus heals his son at that very hour.
So…why am I the jerk? Honestly, when reading this passage one of the first things I thought was, “Pshht. Sure. And I bet this royal official could afford healthcare.” As a member of administration, this official would’ve had money, access to key figures and relationships within government that would provide more than what is needed. Frankly, I found him asking for help… annoying. He has more than any one person in this story, and still he wants more?
The simple answer: Yes.
This man asks of Jesus because he believes. And that is enough.
This is what I’ve reminded myself: ALL are welcome. It’s not about what he has and can exchange in this instance. Those who are attentive to Jesus’ presence and humble themselves as this officer did, are themselves seen and changed. Today’s scripture is a reminder that divine love is not transactional. Rather it’s transformational.
—Amanda B. Angaiak is the Director of Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, and President of Monroe Foundation, Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Prayer
God, sometimes I can be a real jerk.
Grant that I might work on my presupposition, believing in the goodness and motives of others regardless of status.
Help me to be like You and welcome all who seek your healing compassion, grace and mercy.
—Amanda B. Angaiak