Tuesday of the fourth Week of Lent
(Ezekiel 47:1-9.12; John 5:1-16)
Pilgrims to Lourdes should not hesitate to have a bath in
the holy waters. Winter or summer, the
baths are administered with care and devotion which uplift one’s faith. The waters are charged with the aspirations
of millions seeking health of soul and body.
They carry the same freshness as the waters of the Temple featured in
today’s readings.
The first reading calls attention to the water trickling at
first but soon becoming a torrent. The
water soon gives life to abundant flora that in turn revives believers. In the gospel Jesus himself becomes the
life-giving water of the Temple. He
heals the sick man who did not have the wherewithal to enter the Temple pool.
Water symbolizes our coming to new life at Easter. At the vigil service the water is blessed
with due reference to its saving roll throughout the Old Testament. During the Easter season it is continually used
to remind us of the blessings that Jesus’ resurrection bestows. We can look forward to being touched with
that water so that Jesus’ life may flow within us.
