Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent
(Ezekiel 47:1-9.12; John 5:1-16)
Water has been long associated with healing. Hindu pilgrims come in myriads to the Ganges
River in hope of cures. Western believers
imbibe the spring waters at Lourdes praying for a miracle. Natural baths the world over have devotees
seeking their medicinal effects.
The reading from Ezekiel today manifests the healing
power of the Jerusalem temple by describing it as the source of water. The liquid begins as trickle emerging from its
threshold and quickly grows in volume. As
it leaves the structure’s confines, it becomes a torrent that irrigates fruit trees
providing both food and medicine. In the
gospel Jesus shows his ability to cure as ever more efficacious. He instantaneously heals the sick man who
lacks the wherewithal to plunge himself into the temple waters.
We may see Jesus as a kind of river of plenty. Like the Ganges, he heals us of
infirmities. Like the Nile in Egypt, he
provides us the means for sustenance.
Like the Mississippi in the United States, he transports us home.
