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. Again, preaching on this gospel passage Pope Francis says; 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. Friends, focus on God not the crisis. In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector rather than praying he was busy slandering the tax collector. 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 guide 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 favour in your sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
