DO YOU WANT TO BE WELL?
(John 5:1-16)
This is a question Jesus asked
the paralytic man in today's gospel reading.
He's been in this situation for thirty-eight years. He's been there
giving reasons for not being healed. He's been there missing opportunities of
recovery. He's been there enjoying being called sick. He has stopped making
efforts to get well. He has stopped expecting any way out of his condition. He
no longer knows what he wants. Anything goes for him now. He has become
helpless. He has condemned himself to be totally dependent on the forces around
him. He has objectified himself. He is now docile to evil and manipulations.
This man was not just sick. But
he was in sin. He was not just physically paralyzed but spiritually crippled
too. He can't go far in the spirit world. He can't rise on the wings of prayer.
He doesn't channel his prayers aright. He looks around for any and every one
that comes to receive whatever he has to offer. Anything now goes for him. He
has lost his sense of moral judgment. He is down to the lowest level. His state
is now a very pitiable one. Jesus intervenes: Do you want to be healed?
This is our problem, this is the
problem of our society, this is the problem with the Church and our world at
large. Jesus asks us all this question
today. Do we really want to get well? Have we not started seeing our paralysis
as something to be enjoyed?
Do we want to get well when we
have our pet sins, those sins we are not ready to leave, those sins we still
plan to go back to shortly after confessions? Do we have any plans of getting
well when we allow our human elements to override divine will in the Church? Do
we have the intention of getting well when we put before us the love for money,
reaping without sowing, stealing mandates, accepting and giving bribes,
favouritism in our activities?
How can Nigeria do well when the
people with sincere intentions and progressive mindset are eliminated? How can
we rise when insecurity is high, and nothing serious is being done to stop the
kidnappings, intimidations and killings even when the powers that be know what
to do to end it all?
Do we really want to be healed?
This matters a lot to Christ. If we want it, we will have it. Christ has already
granted it. He has paid for our peace and wholeness. When you're ready to leave
that bad habit, that sinful relationship, that evil clique Jesus heals you. But
not without a warning. As Christ heals you through His word this season and in
the Sacrament of reconciliation, hear what He says to you Nwa Chukwu: "See, you are well, sin more, that
nothing worse befall you."
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus Christ, we are tired
of looking for help here and there, allowing sin to take the better part of us
and lying flat on the soil of corruption and depravity. Heal us by the power of
your word and sacraments oh Lord. Loving Father, give us the willpower to
desire total healing from you and to say goodbye finally to sin. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless your Tuesday (4th Week
of Lent)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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