Rise, Take up your mat and Walk

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 5:1-16*

*FIRST READING - Ez 47:1-9, 12*

*Rise, Take up your mat and Walk*

*1) In the Context of Healing, Jesus says these words*

In today's Gospel we find a person who was sick for 38 years and was hoping for the Healing 

Even tough he had much faith in the water of the pool at Bethsaida, finally he met Jesus.

Jesus uses the different method to heal him and not as he thought that some one would help him to get into the water

So in this context, Jesus says to Him, *Rise, take up your mat and walk*

*2) Three Actions are highlighted here*

*First -  Rising* : Willingness to Rise is very much necessary in order to experience the healing 

*Secondly : Taking up his mat* We need to reflect deeply about this. What is the mat that is necessary? 

*Thirdly : Walking* Walikg is the gesture of movement, and movement is the symbol of Growth, healing and Change 

*3) What is the Mat that we need to carry in our life?*

It is not enough to rise and walk, but we need to carry the mat along with us 

We need to carry the mat of faith with us 

We need to carry the mat of courage in us 

We need to carry the mat of change in us 

We need to carry the mat of love in us 

We need to carry the mat of determination with us 

We need to carry the mat of new life with  us 

We need to carry the mat of conversion of heart and mind in us 

We need to carry the mat of prayer with us 

We need to carry the mat of service in us 

So all the mats will help us to rise and walk towards a new life 

*4) Lent is a special Time*

Lent is a special time to rise and walk, along with various spiritual mats for renewing our life 

The mat of prayer, fast, and almsgiving are the important mats which we need to carry during this special time of Lent 

As lent invites us to rise and walk towards the new life and life in Christ, let's take these mats and walk along with Jesus to experience new life 

*5) Am I ready for this Challenge?*

Jesus says the same words to us 

Rise, take your mat and walk 

Am I ready to do that? 

Or do I want to sit near the pool of my old life, waiting for the miracle to happen???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*