Jesus, pool of Bethesda, and the man ill for 38 years

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Fourth Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 5:1-16*

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

*Jesus, pool of Bethesda, and the man ill for 38 years*

*1) Pool of Bethesda*

The Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem was where sick people gathered with hopes of being cured of their illnesses. 

The Aramaic word Bethesda means “house of mercy” or “house of grace” in English.

 This pool has five porticos or porches adjacent to the pool, where the ill people waited and watched for an angel to stir the water. 

The hopeful, diseased people at the poolside believed that the first person to step into the water after it was stirred by an angel was healed

*2) Ill  man for 38 years*

He believed in the power of the pool water 

Even after 38 years, he had not lost His hope 

He has been waiting for the opportunity to get into the water 

This pool, kept his desire of becoming well alive 

His hope of becoming well was much dependent on the pool and the things that will take place in the pool 

*3) Jesus the Divine Healer*

When Jesus comes to the vicinity of the pool, he sees this ill man who was suffering for 38 years 

Jesus asks this person *“Do you want to be well?”*

The man then says about the story of the pool and his desire to get into the water 

It appears that this person was fully depended on the pool and water 

Jesus heals the person not with pool water by the power of His Word

*4) Where is my faith*

Is my faith fully depended on the external things?

Just like the Ill  man had trust in the pool water? 

Finally the man was healed by Jesus with His powerful words. 

Where do I keep my trust? Is it  in the material things or spiritual things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*