Readings
I - Ezk. 47: 1-9, 12
II - Jn. 5: 1-16
BE COMPASSIONATE
Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the invalid man at Bethzatha. The man had been there for thirty years. Neither did anyone notice nor did someone bother to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up so that he might be healed. Jesus moved with compassion, said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk”. It would had been a great miracle for everyone to see an invalid man walking after thirty eight long years. The Jews slighted the “stand-up” and stressed on the violation of the Sabbath, “take up your mat and walk”. The purpose of any law is to protect and enhance life. But it was made as a pressing yoke and a great burden that weighed down common men, vanquished their hope and left them disheartened. Jesus willfully broke the law on the Sabbath to enlighten and empower the Jews that love and humanity takes precedence over any law. Jesus asserted on the essence of the law.
In our society too we live like those Jews bound by superstitious belief system, caste system and meaningless restrictions and dividing rules. Make love alone the yardstick of any rule so that we can take delight in calling ourselves as the followers of Christ - Christians. Love, appreciate, encourage, side up for the helpless, live and let live. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, let your love and compassion fill my heart”.
