Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent
(Ezekiel 47:1-9.12; John 5:1-16)
Some places in the world have continual outages of water and electricity. When Honduras was experiencing regular disruptions of these services fifteen years ago, someone from there was asked which was worse – not having running water or not having electricity. The man answered in an instant – not having water. So what that we cannot eat microwave popcorn as long as we can cook beans and take a shower!
The reading from Ezekiel today manifests the healing power of Temple prayer by describing the waters that flow from its side. In the gospel Jesus shows his ability to cure as more efficacious than that of the Temple. He instantaneously heals the sick man who lacks the wherewithal to plunge himself into the Temple waters. The gospel invites everyone to bring their difficulties to Jesus in prayer.
We may see Jesus as a kind of river of plenty. Like the Ganges in India, he heals us of infirmities. Like the Nile in Egypt, he provides us the means for sustenance and growth. Like the Mississippi in the United States, he transports us home.
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