Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent

St. John describes a scene, in today’s gospel, that is closely related to the first reading from Ezekiel 47. Jesus visits a place near the Sheep Gate that is called Bethesda , the “House of Mercy”.  Many people had come to bathe there in the hope that their various afflictions would be cured. Some now maintain that the pool was a micvah, or bath used in cleansing rituals at the Temple. One of the requirements for this type of ritual bath includes a connection with fresh, flowing, i.e., living water. 

As Jesus walked among those gathered there, he paused next to one man who could not walk.  Jesus said to him, “rise, pick up your mat, and walk.”  Jesus did not offer to lower the man into the pool to be cured; he personally cured the man. Jesus demonstrated his personal power to heal at a site that had been associated with healing for hundreds of years.  There was no ambivalence in Jesus’ simple command to rise and walk.  The Son of God was walking among those waiting to be cured, yet many continued to seek God or other gods elsewhere.

I pray that we recognize that Jesus continues to walk with us.  He mercifully helps us to heal physically and spiritually.  Jesus is the epitome of compassion and empathy.  He will never allow us to suffer alone.  Walk with Him.