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Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent - Restoration to new life

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

1st Reading                 Ezekiel 47:1-9,12
Psalm             Psalm 46:2-3,5-6,8-9 (R.8)
Gospel                          John 5:1-16


 By: Edmund Elorm Ackuaku

RESTORATION TO NEW LIFE

The theme of restoration to new life spans through the readings of today. This theme is further stressed by indicating the Temple in Jerusalem as the setting and water to be the restorative force as peculiar to the two readings.

The first reading narrates Ezekiel's vision of water flowing from the threshold of the temple and enlivening creation. The reconstruction of the Temple and the flowing of life-giving water which are seen in the last portions of the book of Ezekiel indicate the New life to be given to Israel while they are in exile. This is a promise to the Israelites. Like creation (the trees on the boundaries of the river) Israel shall receive a new life while the glory of God shall return to the temple.

This event is visible and promising in our day as contemporary Israelites. In the temple dwells the Glory of the Lord. Life proceeds from the one who dwells in the Temple. God is seen as the restorer of what has been despised. In fact, the mention of water is not new to us. The crossing of the Red sea brings to mind the sacrament of Baptism, the sacrament which ushers us into a state of newness in Christ. This is restorative.

While in exile, wait patiently for the restorative power of God and at the appointed time 'things will work together for your good' (cf. Romans 8: 28).

The Gospel continues this theme by recounting Jesus' act in the Temple on a Sabbath. The feast mentioned in (v. 1) is not categorical but (v. 9, 10 and 15) provide clear evidences to suggest that the feast was the Sabbath. This feast is held in high esteem by the Jews. Violation of the Sabbath laws subjects one to punishment. No work is to be done on the Sabbath, not even healing of the sick. It is a day solely dedicated to worship in honour God.

Jesus healed on that day. Jesus, fundamentally,  violated a Sabbath law and ought to be punished. However, Jesus is greater than the Sabbath and even lord of the Sabbath (cf. Luke 6:5). Jesus healed an invalid. He restored him to life. He did not only perform it physically but he transformed his inmost being by instructing him not so sin anymore.

In fact, the setting of this miracle was the Sheep Gate called Bethzatha. This name means the House of Mercy. Jesus had mercy on this man.

We are not far from the mercy of God, the restorative power of God and his cleansing power in this season of Lent. All we have to do is to be near what we desire (mercy) just like the man who was near the house of mercy and mercy was shown him.

May the Lord help us on this journey of Lent.
Amen

 #40 days in the desert
#Pax et Bonum

Comments

  1. Fr. Walter TottohTuesday, 24 March 2020 at 06:03:00 GMT

    Nice reflection. I wish to be receiving this always

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fr. Walter TottohTuesday, 24 March 2020 at 06:05:00 GMT

    If you peceivere you will become one of the best preacher in the world. Waoooo

    ReplyDelete

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