Today, we will focus upon John 5.
We read about the healing of the paralytic at the pool and Jesus’ discourse on His authority.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205&version=NRSVCE
What stands out to you in this chapter?
For me, it’s question of Jesus that is like a neon lamp. “Do you want to be healed?” He asks the man a simple question – yes or no? To which the man answers with excuses.
When we stand outside the confessional, Jesus asks the same question – ‘do you want to be healed? And, many times man answers with excuses and a paragraph instead of a simple, humble, “yes, Lord.” We say, “but it’s been so long, 10-20-30 years”, “I’m not worthy”, “if You knew what I’ve done”, “why…I can’t be forgiven.”
“Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1602
The man at the pool saw healing in the bubbles. Like him, we look for self-help methods. We read books and see professionals, we draw upon worldly goods to fill the hole in our soul. A hole formed by sin, a chasm dug deep by those who would see us damned. So when, Jesus comes to us asking simply, “Do you want to be healed?”, we don’t see the light right before us. Our hearts are hardened.
I remember twenty some years ago, kneeling in the confessional, before Jesus (concealed in the priest). I was terrified, but I done in, 20 years away, and truly longer as I never really came to the doubt of mercy before. I never came for forgiveness, truly desiring and believing. “Lord, forgive me, it’s been so long and I’ve done such bad…” “Do you want to be healed”, “Lord, yes!” And with that confession, the Lord wrapped me in a tight hug, tears in HIS eyes, and said, “welcome home, my son.” To this day, it still brings tears to my eyes.
So, go to the Sacrament of Confession, today if possible, and say to the Lord, “Lord, I want to be healed.” He will raise your dead soul to life. Trust Him. No excuses, no wordy explanations, He hushes them all with His Mercy – and, as we leave, Jesus will respond, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” John 5:14