The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. — Psalm 46:8

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12/John 5:1-16 

Rise and Walk 

It wasn’t the miraculous healing of the paralytic in today’s Gospel that struck me, but the question that Jesus posed to him before the healing began: “Do you want to be well?” The answer seemed obvious, since the man had been crippled for 38 years. But what did the question mean? The paralytic thought Jesus was inquiring about his physical wellness, but He was really asking something much deeper: “Do you want to be well in your soul?”

I think that’s something we all desire — wellness of soul. But sometimes we’re crippled by the effects of our sin. We can look to this world for healing, but only Jesus can give us the living water that will allow us to “rise, take up our mats, and walk.” 

Prayer: Only say the word, Lord, and my soul shall be healed.