Tuesday April 1, 2025

John 5:1-16

There was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem there is a building, called Bethzatha in Hebrew, consisting of five porticos; and under these were crowds of sick people

Something had happened at Bethzatha. This was a place of healing which was slowly turning into a place of chaos and selfishness. Whenever the waters rose it was every man for himself. Yes these were all sick people wanting a healing but they cared. For no one but themselves. I do not think they became selfish people but maybe they were just tired of being sick and wanted to take care of themselves first.

No matter how big our pain is, we are encouraged here to take care of others. Do not let your pain turn you into a monster. In fact many times we find healing when we can look out and find someone who needs help. It is in helping others that our healing happens.

Our Lord brought compassion to this place of healing. May he continue to bring it into our churches and homes.