John’s Gospel tells the story of a man who had been sitting at the Pool of Bethesda awaiting healing for 38 years. And I thought the wait in my doctor’s office was long ! According to ancient tradition this pool contained healing power when the water was stirred up or flowing. This man felt helpless because he had no friends to help him bathe in this flowing water. Despite many years of unanswered prayer, he still waited in hope that someone would come along to help him at just the right time.
Jesus offered this man not only hope, but total healing. It’s interesting that even though Jesus knew of this man’s situation, he still asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” This question awakened faith in that man. So Jesus ordered him to, “Take up your mat and walk!” Now he had to put this new found faith in action and trust in Jesus.
The Lord Jesus approaches each one of us with the same question, “Do you want to be healed?” That is, healed of your sins, from your anger, your hurtful desires , your addictions. If we are content with the way we are, then no amount of coaxing will change us. If we wish to change he will allow his healing presence flow over us like living water. He will fill us with a peace that doesn’t come and go. We will find in him what truly satisfies us like nothing else.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores. Deacon Doug
