Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 37 The Elderly and the Children

Mass: Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Resp Ps 46; Jn 5:1-16

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.

HEART OF JESUS, ENRICHING ALL WHO INVOKE THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I do not know if it ever occurred to me before that the man in today's Gospel, the one who had been ill for thirty-eight years, did not answer Jesus' question. When Jesus saw the sick man lying there by the pool, He asked, Do you want to be well? The man does not answer. He only gives an excuse as to why he hasn't entered the water when it is stirred up. Hmmm. This passage comes at a time when I have been thinking about a phrase, perhaps you've heard it before: "God helps those who help themselves." I do not claim that Jesus only helps those who help themselves. As shown here, Jesus heals the man whether he wants to be well or not. Rise, take up your mat, and walk, says the Lord. And "immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked" (Jn 5:8-9). Sometimes, though, it may be that we become so accustomed to making excuses as to why we can't do this or that, or placing blame outside of ourselves for one reason or another, that we forget that the Lord is there is to help us and heal us from all that keeps us from accepting His love and mercy. Perhaps we've become so despondent that we are unable to budge for one reason or another. Or, we've settled for the least common denominator. I like to think that I would answer Jesus' question with a rousing, "Yes, Lord, I want to be made well!" On the other hand, I like to think of a lot of things. Jesus is asking me the question now. Jesus is asking you the question now: Do you want to be well? What is your answer? Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you (Mt 7:7). 

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Calla Lily beauty in Eureka, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021