Tuesday of the
Fourth Week in Lent
(Ezekiel 47:1-9.12; John 5:1-16)
Anyone can have a bath at the shrine of Our Lady of
Lourdes. There is no cost. Assistants will help the aged and sick as
well as the healthy prepare themselves.
Privacy is paramount. Photos, even
while waiting in line outside the baths, are prohibited. The experience will heal the soul if not the
body. Pilgrims witness the faith of the
people and the service of volunteer assistants.
God feels as close to them as ever.
Today’s gospel speaks of an even
greater closeness to God.
The paralytic is waiting for someone to assist him enter
the healing pool of Bethesda. Jesus offers
his services. Since he is the source of “living
water,” he does not carry him into the pool.
He only tells the paralytic to get up and walk, and the man miraculously
does so. Jesus’ miracle does not require
faith on the part of its beneficiary.
Rather his sovereign authority works wonders as he wills.
We should take another look at Jesus. He is not only a
healer and a teacher, but also the Lord who can work wonders for us. We want to submit to his will. It is not only that he requires it of us. But also in doing his will we find our truest
happiness.
