Good morning, good people! May the Lord give you peace, prosperity, and health in the Holy Spirit. It is 01st April 2025.
Are we ready to take the first step towards the Lord?
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, encourages each one of us: “Let us not forget this: the Lord comes to us when we step toward Him. Let us take that step!” Lent is a time of realization that we need to get up and walk towards Jesus.
There is no miracle ground, group, or gesture that can heal us except the person of Jesus. The living and life-giving water is Jesus Himself. We are all initiated and immersed into the living and life-giving waters of baptism. New life and healing are possible only with the Lord.
Water symbolizes God’s saving grace. The abundance of water flowing from the temple in the first reading (Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12) represents the overflowing graces from the heart of the Savior. There is no shortage of blessings with the Lord. However, without faith and prayer, we cannot experience the healing and blessing in the water.
Life comes from God and is nurtured by the living water, Jesus Christ. The responsorial Psalm proclaims, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Ps 46:8).
A man once stood at the edge of a river, hesitant to cross because he feared the current was too strong. A wise old fisherman approached and said, “The water will support you if you take the first step.” Encouraged, the man stepped in, and to his amazement, the riverbed was firm, and he crossed safely.
To continue enjoying the effects of healing, we must turn away from our sinful attitudes and behaviours. “See, you have been made well! Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” (Jn 5:14).
Jesus cured a man who had suffered for 38 years. This is the third sign in the Gospel of John that brought life, healing, and wholeness. No matter how long we have suffered—even if no one has helped us—Jesus is always ready and willing to heal us completely.
Miracles are possible for those who believe and trust in the plan and will of God. We all need to pick up our mat and walk—to step out of a casual and comfortable sinful environment. There are many things we cling to because of our lack of faith in Jesus.
To revive the spirit within us, we need to rise, take stock of our lives, and recognize the presence of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, we may hesitate, thinking we are alone in our struggles. But Jesus invites us to trust Him.
When we take that first step in faith, His grace will sustain us, leading us to healing and wholeness. May you have a blessed day. God bless you!