By the Pool of Bethsaida

 As preached by Sister Cecelia

Holy Wisdom Church

1 Peter 1:1-13, Acts 8:26-40, John 5:1-15

Have you ever wondered what occupied the mind of the man who had been lying in one of the 5 porticoes of the pool of Bethzatha? During all that time—nearly 40 years—he still kept the hope of being cured of whatever illness he had. Perhaps he had memorized some psalms and prayed them over and over while he lay there.  When Jesus approached him and asked him if he wanted to be healed, his answer, immediately, was YES. When Jesus spoke to him, he did not hesitate to pick up his mat and start walking. When Jesus later revealed his name, we might wonder why the man went immediately to the authorities. The stringent Sabbath rules indicated that a person breaking them by carrying a burden was to be stoned. The poor man evidently felt he had to explain his behavior to the authorities to avoid death.   

Whether this man was praying the psalms or not, in our daily praying the psalms, I notice how often we plead for help.  At times, it can seem that really sincere prayer comes only when we are dealing with really dire conditions. When things go awry, we remember God and call for help. When all is well, we are inclined to manage on our own and not even think about God. Often, though, we do ask for God’s help when nothing extraordinary is threatening, and we also offer praise and thanksgiving to God.  

We abandon the illusion of total self-sufficiency when we call for help and remember to pray. The relationship between helper and helped is strengthened among us mere mortals when we call for help. How much more is this true with our God.   

The help given by God comes in different forms. Sometimes it seems by chance, sometimes by the good will of others. Sometimes God seems to inspire us to draw what is needed from within ourselves. It may be by triggering memories that motivate us to apply ourselves with greater determination. Sometimes it is sincere encouragement and approval from others that boost our flagging energies. God can help us in many ways to do what seems impossible. The effectiveness of such interventions is our willingness to accept help, and this willingness is best indicated by asking for help.

In this morning’s second reading, Peter is telling the crowd that they are to love as God loves. To the extent that we realize that living in accordance with this directive is a challenge, we often find ourselves asking God for assistance in following this path. This endeavor is inspired and prompted by God’s word, but it is beyond our meager resources. So we pray—pray that God will enlighten and strengthen us to do what God has commanded.

To have caught sight of the reality of the spiritual world, even if only for a moment, makes what happens in this world of space and time no longer the most absolute value. A profound desire that has its object in something beyond the world of space and time is not uncommon. All reality has an aura of mystery. We can perceive a portion of reality that impinges on our senses, but not what is beyond our sight and hearing.

If our notion of religion or spirituality is limited to its organizational aspect—beliefs, values, rituals, and social structures—something is missing. Expressions of faith are important and essential, but they are not everything. Desire to be more fully in the transcendent reality of God is at the heart of all spirituality. We benefit by seeking a more explicit awareness of the desire for God.  Louder and more mundane ambitions can block out this desire. The patient long-suffering hope shown by the sick man by the pool of Bethzatha is a lesson for us to not give up.

 In our own experience, what started us on the road of spiritual searching? We can bring that initial experience into line with our present circumstances and give it a voice in our choices. Let this psalm be not only on our lips, but also of our  hearts.

 “Lord let your hand be my help, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119:173).

This endeavor is not only a source of comfort; it contains also a note of challenge, demanding that we abandon narrow fixed perspectives and routines and venture into new territory. We praise God best by growing beyond narrow confines and allowing ourselves to be constantly reformed by the ever-creative word of divine self-revelation.

Christ is Risen!