THE NEW LIFE
EZEKIEL 47:1-9, 12; PSALM 46; JOHN 5:1-3, 5-16
“Wherever the water flows, it will bring life and health.” Ezekiel speaks of the stream of water flowing from the temple, which gives life. Similarly, the gospel speaks of the healing that took place at the pool of Bethesda. Beloved, both instances point to the water of baptism, which gives us new life in Christ. Let us draw ourselves and others to the water of baptism. Let us go for the new life that is freely offered to us.
Again, preaching on this gospel passage, Pope Francis says that Jesus asks the man “if he wants to be healed” rather than saying yes! He was complaining. Pope Francis calls this “the sin of surviving on complaining about others.” Oftentimes, we come before God to complain instead of praying.
In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, rather than praying, the Pharisee was busy slandering the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14). Today Christ warns, saying, “Be sure not to sin any more, or something worse may happen to you.” We who have received new life through baptism must guard against evil intent.
Let us pray.
Father, renew your spirit within us. Let the grace of baptism lift us higher. May we not suffer any form of spiritual defeat. And may our prayers find favor in your sight. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.*
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
