Yesterday, I reflected upon how Lent is a spiritual
springtime—a time of new life, spiritual healing and spiritual growth. Today,
the scripture readings continue these ideas of fruitfulness, healing, and new
life.
In our first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel, we encounter
a magnificent vision: waters trickling forth from beneath the temple, gradually
deepening into a vast river. This river brings renewal and abundant life
wherever it flows, transforming even salty seas into fresh waters teeming with
life. Trees lining the riverbanks flourish abundantly, their leaves serving as
medicine and their fruits as nourishment.
The imagery from Ezekiel reminds us that wherever God’s
grace flows, new life emerges, healing occurs, and everything it touches is
renewed and restored. During this Lenten season, God’s grace can renew us, as
we engage in Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
In the Gospel, Jesus brings healing and life to a man who
had been suffering for nearly forty years. The man is healed when he listens to and obeys
the command of Jesus.
Just as Ezekiel’s river healed and revitalized everything it
touched, Christ Himself is the living water, bringing renewal to the sick, the
broken, and the despairing. Yet, just as importantly, today's Gospel challenges
us to reflect upon our openness and willingness to be healed by Christ.
The man at the Pool of Bethesda represents all who have
experienced long periods of spiritual stagnation or brokenness. We often remain
spiritually "paralyzed" by sin, fear, resentment, or doubt. Like the
man, we might find ourselves waiting passively, feeling helpless. Jesus asks
the same question to each of us during Lent that he asked to the man: "Do
you want to be well?" Do you want healing? Do you want restoration?
Many Christians fail to recognize their need for spiritual
healing. They think. I’m fine. I’m a good person. But Lent is a time of honest
self-examination, where we recognize that there are always parts of us that
need healing. They way we treat strangers, they way we spend our free time, the
way we react when we are stressed, frustrated, what we do when we are anxious
about the future.
When we allow Christ to heal and cleanse us, something
transformative occurs—not just within us, but in how we impact the world around
us. Just as Ezekiel’s life-giving river spread outward, nourishing everything
it touched, our healed and renewed lives extend God’s grace to others. A
Christian who experiences genuine healing and renewal becomes a source of life
and blessing to others.
Let us respond well to the Lord’s offer of healing this
Lent, that we may become vibrant streams of Christ’s life-giving grace in the
world, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Confident in God's desire to heal, renew, and restore, we
now present our prayers and petitions with hopeful hearts.
For the Church, that during this Lenten season, she may
continue to proclaim the healing and transformative power of Christ, inviting
all people to experience renewal and new life, especially those who feel
spiritually stagnant, broken, or discouraged. Let us pray to the Lord.
For leaders throughout the world, that they may be guided by
God's wisdom and grace to foster justice, peace, and well-being, enabling
communities to flourish. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who suffer physically, mentally, or emotionally,
that they may experience the healing presence of Christ, who restores strength,
hope, and wholeness. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our deceased loved ones, that through God's merciful
love, they may experience the fullness of life and eternal joy in His presence.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, pour forth your healing grace upon us. Hear
these prayers we offer with confidence and trust, through Christ our Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment