Tuesday, 1 April, 2025. Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9ab, John 5:1-3,5-16
“See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” (John 5:14)
When Jesus was told about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, he said: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered thus? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish...” (Luke 13:2-5). Today, Jesus told the man he had cured by the pool to avoid sin lest something worse befalls him. What does this teach us?
1. Sin Predisposes Us to Danger: As much as God is not interested in the sinner's death, sin predisposes us to danger. As we see in the story of the prodigal son, sin represents our decision to remove ourselves from the Father’s house – God’s protective embrace. We soon find ourselves working as slaves for strangers who do not care about our well-being.
2. Sin is Death: Jesus warned the man who had been cured to avoid sin so that nothing worse would happen to him. What else could be worse than suffering for thirty-eight years? This is precisely what sin does. The book of Proverbs says: “Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched?” (Proverbs 6:27-28).
3. Never Get Used to Sinful Habits: Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be healed?” Today, Jesus is asking us: “Do you want to come out of a life of unnecessary pain and sorrow?” The man complained about the difficulty of getting into the water once it is stirred, as if to say: “I can never get well.” Like this man, some of us complain about he difficulty of avoiding sin; we seem to have concluded we can never be saints.
4. Never Give Up: This story teaches us the importance of perseverance and faith. The man remained at the pool for so long because he believed that one day it would be his turn to reach the water before anyone else. His faith gave him the strength to persevere until Jesus found him. You may have been trying unsuccessfully to overcome the same sin. Don’t give up. Jesus knows your heart. He sees the efforts you are making. He would come to you soon.
5. Look Beyond Your Problems; Develop a Positive Attitude: The man did not recognise Jesus. He didn’t know that his creator was standing before him in flesh and blood. Instead of answering Jesus’ question with a “Yes” or “No”, he complained about his problems. This story teaches us that there is no single solution to problems. The man was hoping on the water, not knowing he could also receive an instant cure by God’s power. Do not let overthinking blind you from recognising God standing before you. Do a daily meditation on the wonders of God’s creation.
6. The Church is a Place of Divine Encounter: In today’s first reading, God opened Ezekiel's eyes to see a river flowing from the temple sanctuary. God said to him: “Wherever the river goes, every living creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so, everything will live where the river goes.” (Ezekiel 47:8-9). With God, all things are possible. Have faith. Whenever you enter the church, drink from this supernatural river; receive healing, strength, and life. Avoid overfamiliarity with God’s house.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, renew our faith, heal our wounds and free us from the bondage of sin. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of the 4th week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9ab, John 5:1-3,5-16).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu