Plunge into the Flowing Waters of God’s Grace
(Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46; Jn 5:1-6)
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Four times a week, I do aquacize in a swimming pool. That practice not only provides health benefits for me, but also deepens my appreciation for the blessings of water.
Today’s readings invite us to plunge into the flowing waters of God’s grace and experience forgiveness and healing.
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom – so simple yet so pervasive and such an essential part of creation and our lives. Scientists are always searching for signs of water in the universe, while we enjoy water’s amazing use for recreation, refreshing, renewing, cleansing, even destroying.
Rapids near Pisew Falls, MB
No wonder our creator God used the vision of a flowing stream of life giving water given to the prophet Ezekiel to teach humanity the nature of God’s loving grace and the role of genuine religion. That ever-flowing and ever-growing stream from Temple to Arabah freshens, nourishes, promotes life and provides healing. That stream represents God’s desire to give us forgiveness of our sins, and healing of our defects of character.
Jerusalem Model East wall
The fact that this stream flows out from the altar and under the threshold of the temple signifies that the role of institutional religion was to channel God’s grace, God’s unconditional love, God’s forgiveness and healing to the people of God, to the poor and those most in need.
There is an obvious link between the flowing stream in the first reading with the healing waters of the Pool of Bethzatha near the Sheep Gate of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Having been there, it is easy to imagine Jesus encountering the man who was an invalid for thirty-eight years, even though the five porticoes are empty and dry today.
Pool of Bethesda
The fact that the invalid could not get to the water on time, that someone else always got there before him (for thirty-eight years) when it was stirred up should alert us that something was not right about the religious system as it had developed. Those most in need were powerless to help themselves and there was no one there to help them. Somehow, over time, between the vision of Ezekiel and the time of Jesus, a systemic lack of caring and of compassion must have crept into the religious system of Judaism as it was practiced by the religious leaders. The Jewish leaders, caught up in their legalism, missed the opportunity to receive healing themselves, and were complicit in not providing it for the poorest among them.
Then, the fact that the man was healed, not by the stirring waters but by simply obeying the Word of Jesus to take up his mat and walk, reveals that Jesus had greater power to heal than the water, and would do so with much greater compassion. The Word of Jesus itself becomes living water for the sick man.
Sign at the pool
Finally, the fact that Jesus actually commanded the invalid to do something that broke the Sabbath law reveals that in Jesus, there was greater authority then the set of religious rules and regulations developed out of the Old Testament era. Jesus was putting the law of love over and above the laws of religion, showing that those laws were to serve, not subjugate, humanity.
There are important implications for us in these readings. First of all, note that the invitation is to not just observe but to wade right into the water, so we are invited to plunge into the waters of God’s grace. Second, that water is a source of strength, growth, healing and joy for us, no matter what circumstances or tribulations make up the riverbank of our lives.
Third, we are to come to Jesus not only for freshening and cleansing, for the forgiveness of our sins, but also for healing of – our painful emotions such as anger and resentment, our negative attitudes such as false pride, stubborn self-will and self-sufficiency (attitudes that the Pharisees, chief priests, scribed and religious leaders displayed in spades), and even our addictions. That would be to allow Jesus to be who he wants to be for us – savior, Lord, redeemer, sanctifier – as the long-awaited Messiah.
The Eucharist is an experience of wading right into the flowing waters of God’s grace, of forgiveness and healing through word and sacrament, here and now.
So, let us plunge into the healing waters of God’s grace today as we celebrate on this, our Sabbath day, and be open to receive God’s forgiveness and healing.
Well yes if we choose to obey the words from Jesus than we can receive healing from the fountain of water. The flowing of water can pure water and Holy water once it is blessed by God. The water can heal people if we accept and trust God through forgiveness and going to Sunday masses. I drank a bottle of water going to the pilgrimage in Mexico City by visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe. At least I recovered most of my sickness and received inspirations . That time I felt relief from stress, pressure and anger and resentment deep down inside me. I can be myself again and be who I am. I bearly had any seizures and even seized up since October. Many Blessings!
Thanks for the message and inspiring homily. Bishop
Oh Bishop , Bless that you always have Good Health and take care of yourself. Chinese people always mentions this at Chinese New Year. You will always be in my prayers. Des Colores.