Tuesday 24 March 2009

Background

Throughout the ages, in many religions and cultures, springs andpools of water have been understood to have healing powers. Takingthe waters, bathing or drinking - it makes no difference. Releasefrom suffering is felt to be the result.

So it should be obvious why a man would be laid on a mat near thispool hoping for a miracle. Yet Jesus asks an apparently strangequestion, "Do you want to be made well?" After so many years ofsickness, so-longed-for healing would change life out of allrecognition. Would the man be ready for this new challenge? Couldhe cope with such a fundamental reordering of his life?

Instead of rejoicing in wonder at such a restoration to health, thereligious authorities are more concerned with his bed being carriedon the special day of freedom from work - the Sabbath. On this day,even the number of steps a Jew was permitted to take waslimited.

The authorities failed to understand that carrying the bed is anact of worship: a joyful thanksgiving to God for life restored. Theill man's life was a witness to God's care and compassion carriedout through the ministry of Jesus.

To Ponder

Why does it seem that bureaucrats in everysociety seem to get tied up in the observance of petty rules, andmiss entirely the more important and fundamental realities oflife?

What are your thoughts and feelings about 'socalled' alternative therapies, like the beliefs surrounding thispool?

How carefully should we consider the consequencesof what we wish for or desire?