Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
“Do you want to be well?” The answer to Jesus’ question seems obvious. This man has been ill for 38 years, and he is just lying there. But, Jesus’ pointed question seeks to draw out the desire in this man’s heart—Jesus wants him to activate his faith. If we are not in touch with the true desires of our hearts, then how can we truly pray? To pray is to relay to Jesus the desires and longings of our heart and to enter into intimate conversation with Him.
If Jesus can heal a man who has been ill for so long, then we should have hope. No matter how hopeless a situation feels in our life, Jesus can bring about healing and restoration. Far worse than a man ill for so long is when people don’t even know they are sick. Only those who are aware of their own illnesses can even reach out to be helped. I’ve experienced some people who are utterly aware of what afflicts them. It may be worth first asking ourselves: “In my life, where do I need to be made well?” It is only in this admission and realization that we can respond to Jesus’s question with a resounding, “Yes!”
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections