John 5:1-16
Today we face misery and hopelessness. The economy, healthcare, employment, no chance at parole, lack of "white privilege", and a batch of other things come to us in life and there seems to be no hope for the situation to get better.
Jesus finds the same today. We have a man that is not able to do something that would better his quality of life. There are a host of people and they walk by too busy about their own problems to help the man to the water.
Lent is a time to challenge the "norms", to disrupt the usual responses with a new and transformative mind.
How many times we have heard "No, you can't do that" "It's not possible" at every turn there is an obstacle. The obstacle may be the Holy Spirit moving us to a new direction, a transformed mind, a more workable situation. Paul tells us not to boast of our own doing, but to boast of God!
The man in today's gospel has been ill for 38 years. Jesus never rebukes the man "Why didn't you ask for help?" There is no blame or question, just a response. It is the emptying of the Love that flows to respond with compassion and healing.
If our lenten season has been met with defeat, there is today! "Rise, take up your mat and walk!"
Mercy and Hope come from God, ask or wait 38 years, it's up to you!
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