Tue Mar 29, 2022

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 Grace and mercy abound when we invite Jesus into our lives. He restores what is paralyzed within us, to walk the path of abundant life as His disciples.
Today's first reading (Ez 47: 1-9,12) is Ezekiel's vision of superabundant life-giving water flowing outward like a river from the Temple. The banks of this river are lined with trees producing fruit throughout the year and leaves for healing of the nations.


The psalm response (Ps 46) proclaims that God is Israel's refuge and strength. It speaks of the “city of God” gladdened by a river (“stream” in this translation) flowing through its midst:

There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.
The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the LORD, the astounding things he has wrought on earth.

The river that gladdens God's people is the life-giving presence of God, dwelling in its midst. Jesus, Emmanuel, the living Presence of God gladdened the hearts of those who received Him. The paralyzed man in today's Gospel story (Jn 5:1-16) meets Jesus at the pool of Bethsaida. (Bethsaida in Hebrew, meaning house of mercy or house of grace) The man has been waiting thirty-nine years for the mercy and grace of God to heal him; Jesus is the answer to his hopes and longings – the living inexhaustible mercy and grace of God. He is with us in His word, when we gather to pray in His Name, in the sacraments; the River of His Spirit gladdens the Body of Christ and produces ever-bearing fruits: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23)

What kinds of struggles and difficulties have I borne for years waiting for an answer? Lord, show me, that I may turn them over to You for light, guidance and healing. Only You can give me the living water that gladdens my heart and heals my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032922.cfm



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