When it comes to our practical lives merging with our faith lives, there are three things that we need to keep in mind: the power of God's grace, our prayerful input and the virtue of patience. We see all three displayed in today's gospel (Jn. 4:43-54). The healing of the official's son was due to the merits of God's love and grace.

However, this is predicated on the action of coming to the Lord and making our requests. Prayer opens the door for the Lord to hear and respond to our pleas. But the Lord's timing is different from our schedule. Therefore we need to humbly wait in patience for the Lord to act. These three realities invite us to trust, for all will be well with the Lord.

Lord Jesus, may Your grace fill me with patience, so that as I trust in your power and timing, I may see Your saving hand always at work in the daily experiences of my life. Amen.

Blessings, Fr. Howie

READINGS http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031218.cfm