Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 5: 1-16
Powerful waters are the theme of all the readings, but Jesus’ question is so timely for us. He says to the man, lying paralyzed for 38 years at the pool at the Sheep Gate: “Do you want to be whole?” Our translations substitute “well” for “whole”. Whole in Hebrew is one of the many meanings of shalom, God’s plan, God’s will, for us all (Jer 29:11).
Do you want to be whole? We moderns, on the hunt for wholeness, are in so many ways a paralyzed society. What in you and/or in your life feels paralyzed? Show that to Jesus and tell him what you want – for yourself, your loved ones, your country, our world. Pray “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” frequently today.
Your plans for us are plans of peace. Please carve that into the hearts of decision makers, especially those who lead us into war. Convert us, God of peace and wholeness.