Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 12 Mar 2024. He became well

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 12 March 2024

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12. John 5:1-3a, 5-16

He became well

In today’s gospel reading, we read the third of the seven signs of Jesus. After the first and second signs, people and disciples believed in Jesus. But the signs from three to seven differ in two aspects: from now on, after every sign, Jesus will give a long discourse, and the sign will evoke a mixed response and anger in the enemies of Jesus.

Jesus’ third sign occurs in Jerusalem, at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus, who has seen a man ill for thirty-eight years, makes him well. As this miracle happens on the Sabbath day, the Jews begin to persecute Jesus.

The symbol of water is predominant in today’s readings. Next to light, water is the symbol that we use at Easter. Water symbolises liberation, salvation, and new life.

The first reading brings before us the last vision of the Prophet Ezekiel. When the people of Israel were led into Babylonian exile, the glory of the Lord left the city as well. Now, the glory returns. The return of God is symbolised through water. The water that flows from the temple gives wellness, prosperity, and life.

The water that flows from the Temple of Jerusalem is life-giving. The water that is stirred at Bethesda gives wellness. The Son of God comes now not to stir the water at Bethesda but to heal a person.

The person who was in the steps of the pool for thirty-eight years became well, while the Jews who were in the steps of their law and ordinances did not become well. Here, the expression ‘the Jews’, refers not to a nation but to all those who oppose Jesus. And in the Johannine gospel, ‘sin’ refers to ‘lack of belief’ in Jesus. Jesus invites the healed person to come to believe in him.

What are the lessons for us?

(a) The abandoned city of Jerusalem becomes a life-giving city because of the glory of God. The person abandoned for thirty-eight years receives healing from Jesus, the life-giving water. The presence of God brings life and transformation to our lives as well.

(b) The ill person in the gospel reading lies at Bethesda for thirty-eight years. He became used to that life. What are the habits that I am used to in my life?

(c) When someone receives wellness in front of my eyes, how do I respond? Do I feel happy for that person? Or, like the Jews in the gospel, do I take offence?

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In the synodal church, when people are not open to seeing and receiving the changes, they will take offence at what happens in front of their eyes. (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 52)

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy