The Grace of Healing

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man who was ill for thirty-eight years. What a miracle! In this scene we can see how the healing waters of Bethesda foreshadow the healing powers found in the Sacraments. There is true grace and healing that comes from the Sacraments. May we use this time of Lent to receive them as often as we can so we may be strengthened in our own faith and healed from the wounds found within us. Just like those in today’s reading who sought physical healing, we too are in need of healing, whether that be physical, spiritual, or emotional. We must bring our wounds to the feet of Jesus so that we may be healed.

The miraculous healings performed by Jesus are signs of the complete healing that takes place. God’s healing is always that of the whole person. The key element in this passage is when Jesus asks the man: “Do you want to be well?” We must open our hearts and dispose ourselves to the healing that Jesus is offering or we cannot begin to receive it. This man had waited for a very long time, but because of his patience and faith he was ready to accept what Jesus wanted to freely give him.

When Jesus sees the man in the Temple, He reminds him that he must go forth having been healed and sin no more. When we experience the healing power of God’s mercy, we must also make a firm promise not to fall back into our old ways. We need to rely on the healing transformation that has taken place, which is the strength of Christ. Our hope is in Christ who has come to heal us of all that prevents us from accepting His love, and thus from loving others.

Today’s Tip: Ask our Blessed Mother in prayer for the grace to have your heart opened so that you may be ready to receive the healing power of Jesus’s love into your soul.