The Vague Answer of the Man who was sick for 38 Years

GOSPEL Thoughts

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  Fourth Week :  *

*Gospel :  John 5:1-16*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : 46: 2-9*

*The Vague Answer of the Man who was sick for 38 Years*

*1) The Man Was Stuck in His Old Way of Thinking*

For 38 years, the man had believed that healing would happen only through the water of the pool. His mind was fixed on that one method.

So when Jesus asked him if he wanted healing, he immediately spoke about the pool and the water, because that was the only solution he knew.

Sometimes people become so used to their problems and their usual solutions that they fail to recognize God’s new way of acting in their life.

*2) He Focused on His Problem Instead of the Person Before Him*

Instead of saying “Yes, Lord, heal me,” the man begins explaining his difficulty: “I have no one to put me into the pool.” 

His mind is on: his limitation, his loneliness, the competition with others reaching the water first. Meanwhile, the healer himself is standing in front of him.

Many times we also focus more on: our problems, our circumstances, the means of help, rather than trusting God who is present with us.

*3) He Put More Faith in the System than in Jesus*

At that moment, the man’s faith seems to be in the healing power of the water, not in Jesus. Yet Jesus still heals him.

This shows something beautiful: Jesus often helps people even when their faith is incomplete.

God’s grace often reaches us even before we fully understand Him.

*4)  Jesus Breaks His Limited Expectation*

The man believed healing required: the stirring of the water, someone to carry him, being the first into the pool. 

But Jesus heals him simply by saying: “Rise, take up your mat and walk.” Healing comes without the pool, without help, without waiting.

God’s power is not limited to the methods we expect.

*5) Applications for Our Life*

*A) Don’t Limit God*  : Like the man, we sometimes think: “My problem can be solved only this way.” “If this person helps me, then things will change.” But God may have another path we never imagined.

*B) Stop Living Only in the Past* : The man had waited 38 years. His thinking was shaped by his long suffering. 

Sometimes our past failures make us believe: “Nothing will change.” “This is my fate.” Jesus shows that change can come suddenly.

*C) Recognize Jesus When He Comes* : The tragedy is that the man did not even recognize Jesus at first. 

In our lives, Jesus often comes through: people, opportunities, unexpected situations. But we may still keep looking at our “pool”.

*D) Move From Complaining to Trust* : The man explains his difficulty instead of expressing faith. 

Jesus invites us to move from: complaining → trusting; excuses → obedience

When Jesus says “Rise,” the man obeys—and healing happens.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*