It is 16th March 2021.
The readings are from Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; and the Gospel from John 5:1-3, 5-16.
Lent is time of realization that we need to get up and walk towards Jesus. There is no miracle ground, group and gesture that can heal us except the person of Jesus.
The living water 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 symbolizes the flowing graces from the heart of the Saviour. There is no shortage of blessing with the Lord. Without faith and prayer, we cannot experience the healing and blessing in the water. Life comes from God and nurtured by the living water, Jesus Christ.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Ps.46:8).
To continue enjoying the effects of healing, we need to be far from our sinful attitudes and behaviour. “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 was suffering for 38 years. This is the third sign that brough life, healing, and wholeness. No matter how long we have been suffering even when no one helped us to experience healing, Jesus is ready and willing to heal us completely. Miracles are possible for the one who believes and able to trust in the plan and will of God. We all need to pick up the mat and walk out of the casual and comfortable sinful environment. There are so many things we are attached because of lack of faith in Jesus. To revive the spirit in us, we need to get up and take a stock of our life and to recognise the presence of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. May you have a lovely day. God bless you.