The man's determination for 38 Years : Great

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Fourth Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 5:1-16*

*First Reading - Ez 47:1-9, 12*

*The man's determination for 38 Years : Great*

*1) The Man beside the pool for 38 Years*

38 years is not an joke. Its rather a long time and when a person is sick, unable to move, 38     years appears to be 83 years 

So to remain for such a long time at the same place desiring to get well is not an easy task. We must really admire the determination of this person 

*2) For 38 Years He tried*

His efforts were not for one or two years 

He kept on trying for 38 years which is rather surprising

Usually people try for some time and give up because of the impossibility of achieving the goal.

But he never gave up his efforts to try again and again 

*3) He didn't lose hope of getting better*

The very fact that the person was there for 38 years, it shows there his hope was still alive

Usually people lose hope after losing many times and or after their attempts go in vain 

Evey time for 38 years, when he tired to get better, he had lost. It is really disgusting. But he never gave up and he never lost hope. That is something alarming and fantastic

*4) For 38 years he believed in the water of the pool - Now in the power of Jesus*

For 38 long years he kept on trying to get into the water 

His hope was on the water. He was of the opinion that the water will heal him and he may be able to walk properly

But at last, it was not the water which healed him but the Power of Jesus 

Jesus' Healing power made him well. 

So the shift of focus from water to the power of Jesus takes place after 38 years, which turns out to be a turning point 

*5) How deep my determination is?*

The man at the pool is an great inspiration to all of us 

Even in the midst of problems of inability, helplessness, crisis, he didn't give up. He kept on trying thinking that one day things will be okie 

Finally he succeeded. How deep is my commitment? Am I able to persevere for a long time or only for few hours, days or months? 

*6) Shift from water to Jesus*

As long as the man believed in the water to get well, nothing happened. But the moment he shifted his gaze from water to Jesus things became possible

Shifting of our gaze is very important some times. 

From disturbed waters to the power of Jesus 

Water may represent many worldly things, a shift of gaze from these things to spiritual things or to the power of Jesus is very much necessary

Am I ready to shift my gaze? 

Think about it 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*