Daily Readings - Tue Apr 01 2025
Ezekiel
1And he turned me back to the gate of the house. And behold, waters went out, from under the threshold of the house, toward the east. For the face of the house looked toward the east. But the waters descended on the right side of the temple, toward the south of the altar2And he led me out, along the way of the north gate, and he turned me back toward the way outside the exterior gate, the way which looked toward the east. And behold, the waters overflowed on the right side3Then the man who held the rope in his hand departed toward the east, and he measured one thousand cubits. And he led me forward, through the water, up to the ankles4And again he measured one thousand, and he led me forward, through the water, up to the knees5And he measured one thousand, and he led me forward, through the water, up to the waist. And he measured one thousand, into a torrent, through which I was not able to pass. For the waters had risen to become a profound torrent, which was not able to be crossed6And he said to me: "Son of man, certainly you have seen." And he led me out, and he turned me back to the bank of the torrent7And when I had turned myself around, behold, on the bank of the torrent, there were very many trees on both sides8And he said to me: "These waters, which go forth toward the hillocks of sand to the east, and which descend to the plains of the desert, will enter the sea, and will go out, and the waters will be healed9And every living soul that moves, wherever the torrent arrives, will live. And there will be more than enough fish, after these waters have arrived there, and they will be healed. And all things will live, where the torrent arrives12And above the torrent, on its banks on both sides, every kind of fruit tree will rise up. Their foliage will not fall away, and their fruit will not fail. Every single month they will bring forth first-fruits. For its waters will go forth from the sanctuary. And its fruits will be for food, and its leaves will be for medicine.
John
1After these things, there was a feast day of the Jews, and so Jesus ascended to Jerusalem2Now at Jerusalem is the Pool of Evidence, which in Hebrew is known as the Place of Mercy; it has five porticos3Along these lay a great multitude of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the withered, waiting for the movement of the water4Now at times an Angel of the Lord would descend into the pool, and so the water was moved. And whoever descended first into the pool, after the motion of the water, he was healed of whatever infirmity held him5And there was a certain man in that place, having been in his infirmity for thirty-eight years6Then, when Jesus had seen him reclining, and when he realized that he had been afflicted for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?7The invalid answered him: "Lord, I do not have any man to put me in the pool, when the water has been stirred. For as I am going, another descends ahead of me.8Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your stretcher, and walk.9And immediately the man was healed. And he took up his stretcher and walked. Now this day was the Sabbath10Therefore, the Jews said to the one who had been healed: "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to take up your stretcher.11He answered them, "The one who healed me, he said to me, ‘Take up your stretcher and walk.’ 12Therefore, they questioned him, "Who is that man, who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk?’ 13But the one who had been given health did not know who it was. For Jesus had turned aside from the crowd gathered in that place14Afterwards, Jesus found him in the temple, and he said to him: "Behold, you have been healed. Do not choose to sin further, otherwise something worse may happen to you.15This man went away, and he reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had given him health16Because of this, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, for he was doing these things on the Sabbath
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful symbols of healing and divine providence. Ezekiel's vision of water flowing from the temple signifies God's life-giving Spirit, transforming a barren land into a fertile paradise. This water, increasing in depth and becoming a torrent, brings abundant life to all it touches, with trees lining its banks and fruit flourishing continuously. Ezekiel's prophecy points to a future where God's presence restores all things, offering spiritual nourishment and healing.
In the Gospel, John 5:1-16, Jesus heals a man who has suffered for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda. This miracle, performed on the Sabbath, challenges traditional norms and highlights Jesus' divine authority. The man's immediate obedience to Jesus' command, despite the controversy, exemplifies faith and trust in God's power. Jesus' healing is not just physical but also spiritual, urging the man to sin no more, emphasizing the connection between healing and moral living.
Both readings converge on the theme of water as a symbol of divine life and healing. Ezekiel's vision is a future promise, while John's account is a present reality through Jesus. This teaches us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they challenge our understanding. The moral lesson is clear: faith and obedience are essential. As we face life's struggles, let us seek God's healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, trusting in His plan. May we approach each challenge with perseverance, knowing God works to bring life and healing in ways beyond our expectations. Let us embrace His call to trust and obey, finding renewal and purpose in His presence.