THE HEALING WATER FROM THE SANTUARY

 THE HEALING WATER FROM THE SANTUARY
Meditation for Tuesday of the 4^th Week of Lent
(Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16)

Prophet Ezekiel narrates his vision of the water issuing from the temple. “And the water was flowing down from below the right side of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar towards east.” The water rose to a deep river, impossible to cross over. This river flows down into the Arabah, and when it enters any stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes every living creature which swims will live, and there will be many fish. On the banks of this river, all kinds of trees will grow, and their leaves will not wither for they will be fresh every season since the water from the sanctuary flows down to them. “Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

The pool of Bethzatha in Jerusalem resembles the river in the vision of Ezekiel. It was said to have healing powers, and many sick people gathered around it. A man was there for thirty-eight years but could not get chance to throw himself inside the pool when it is stirred. Jesus said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” For the man the answer was so obvious. And he poured out his frustration at Jesus, detailing all his efforts and commitment to receive healing but was not able to make it. I guess he probably hoped that Jesus might help throw him inside the pool, for that was what he said he needed. But he got more than he bargained for...

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And he was healed instantly! Meditate on how Jesus did for the man what Ezekiel saw in the vision of the water flowing from the sanctuary, and what the man hoped for in the past 38 years! Think about the fountain of life that flowed from Jesus and healed the man; He is the living water (Jn 4:13-14). From His pierced side on the Cross flows that healing fountain that refreshes all touched by it. That is why this Lenten season, we position ourselves beside this living pool as we fast, pray and perform almsgiving.

The vision of Ezekiel is here fulfilled. We are watered by the fountain of grace flowing from Jesus Christ; Blood and Water flowing from His side, and gushing forth to us from God’s sanctuary through the Eucharist. So we shall have fullness of life, in season and out of season—in sickness and health, in poverty and richness, single or married, in life or death—and we shall always be fruitful. Amen

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday March 29th, 2022.

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