First Reading: Ezk 47:1-9. 12; Psalm: 46. R. v. 8; Gospel: Jn 5:1-16

KEEP HOPING AND BELIEVING

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“Do you want to be healed?” (Jn 5:6).

The condition of this crippled man at the pool of Bethzatha is a very pitiable one. This man has been sick for thirty eight years without any improvement. The pool of Bethzatha was believed to have healing power whenever it was disturbed. So this crippled man together with other invalids sat around the pool waiting for luck to smile on them. When Jesus saw the crippled man, Jesus knew he had been there longer than the rest of the invalids by the pool. So Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be healed?”

When the crippled man heard this question, he presumed Jesus saw him as someone who was lackadaisical on improving on his condition since he has been there longer than the rest of the sick by the pool. This was why he answered thus, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus saw in his response a man who was persistent in trying; a man who never stopped believing for these many years. And so Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”

There are three lessons we can learn from this healing. The first is that God is aware of how long we have been going through that predicament that has kept us down. We are not alone on the challenges we go through. God is with us. The second is that at the appointed time, God will single us out and take away that pain or trouble in a manner we do not expect. And lastly, for this to happen, we need to keep believing and hoping that we shall pull through whatever challenges that have kept us down. Because persistent hope connects us to God who never fails those who trust in him.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to keep believing so that our faith in you may not fail. Amen.