Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jesus is clear and honest about the source of his power. He says, “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.”
Jesus reminds us that he does not act independently in the good he accomplishes. Everything he does flows from his perfect union with the Father. In the same way, none of the good we do stands apart from God. Every good work in our lives is ultimately a reflection of God, who is the Supreme Good.
We should take a healthy and grateful joy in our accomplishments—the work we have done, the lives we have touched, the families we have raised. Yet we must also remember this truth: apart from God, we can accomplish nothing. In fact, apart from God, we would not even exist. No truly good thing happens without God.
So, we give credit where credit is due. As Scripture reminds us, “O Lord, you have accomplished all we have done” (Isaiah 26:12). All glory and praise belong to God.
Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your saving help. Let the work we do always find its origin in you and through you reach completion. Amen.