Apr
02
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Ezek 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16
Diary: 535, 981, 1244
Now that day was a Sabbath. - Jn 5:9
The pool known for its curing waters, "Bethesda," wasn't living up to its name. In Aramaic, "beth hesda" means "house of mercy."
We know the man on his mat had been ill for 38 years and is unable to walk. He says he has no one to bring him to the water. He has been a regular at Bethesda for a long time. It was believed that an angel stirred its water to signify it was healing time. Whoever stepped in first was made whole. You would think someone there would have had mercy on him and helped him reach the waters. Instead, the man explains, "While I am coming, another steps down before me."
Jesus says to him, "'Rise, take up your mat, and walk.' Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked" (Jn 5:8-9). As in yesterday's reading, Jesus' word is enough to bring about a miracle. And the one to whom He announces a miracle obeys at once.
We read it is against the Sabbath law for the man to carry his mat. This man, however, isn't trying to break the Sabbath. On the day set apart for the worship of the Lord, he acts to show the glory of God. He obeys Jesus, despite the risk of censure or punishment from the synagogue.
Jesus has shown He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is the Lord of healing. He is the Merciful Lord.
Prayer: Lord, even when I face opposition, let me always serve and obey You.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Ezek 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16
Diary: 535, 981, 1244
Now that day was a Sabbath. - Jn 5:9
The pool known for its curing waters, "Bethesda," wasn't living up to its name. In Aramaic, "beth hesda" means "house of mercy."
We know the man on his mat had been ill for 38 years and is unable to walk. He says he has no one to bring him to the water. He has been a regular at Bethesda for a long time. It was believed that an angel stirred its water to signify it was healing time. Whoever stepped in first was made whole. You would think someone there would have had mercy on him and helped him reach the waters. Instead, the man explains, "While I am coming, another steps down before me."
Jesus says to him, "'Rise, take up your mat, and walk.' Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked" (Jn 5:8-9). As in yesterday's reading, Jesus' word is enough to bring about a miracle. And the one to whom He announces a miracle obeys at once.
We read it is against the Sabbath law for the man to carry his mat. This man, however, isn't trying to break the Sabbath. On the day set apart for the worship of the Lord, he acts to show the glory of God. He obeys Jesus, despite the risk of censure or punishment from the synagogue.
Jesus has shown He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is the Lord of healing. He is the Merciful Lord.
Prayer: Lord, even when I face opposition, let me always serve and obey You.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
