Word to the Wise
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - 4th Week of Lent - Tues
[Ezek 47:1-9, 12 and John 5:1-3a, 5-16]"Do you want to be well?" [John]
The encounters in the Gospel According to John can go to the heart of the matter. Jesus' question to the crippled beggar is not as simple as it might seem. The man does not directly answer Jesus' question! He has made a living for 38 years by that pool. One wonders if he really wants to be well! In fact, the text seems to imply that the guy "got back" at Jesus by reporting him to the religious authorities!
That same question could be directed to each of us! Do we really want to be "well?" There is a famous quote, I think from St. Augustine;s CONFESSIONS: "Lord make me chaste, but not yet!" Do we really want to change our ways? Is it easier in Lent just to give up something for 40 days without changing any attitudes or ways of behaving that are contrary to the gospel? Do we offer excuses to Jesus rather than asking him to heal us? I think we know our resistance to medical advice that requires a lifestyle change. We just want a pill to make the problem go away. Do we really want to be well? If we do, then we will have to do our part. Jesus will do his! AMEN