Homily of Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent. 17th March, 2026. Fr Emmanuel Aghidi CSSp.
Texts: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-3, 5-15
I once watched a documentary on Instagram. Random people were asked to make a choice between given some amount of money and meeting with a prominent person. Many chose money. But one who chose to meet with a prominent person made a remark. He said “I know that an encounter with him can change my life for good forever more than the money.”
The man we heard about in the gospel reading of today has been suffering from a particular type of illness for 30 years. The waters of Bethesda were considered the healing pool when it is stirred. But this man could not access the water because he could not walk. And so Jesus comes in, the story is different. Do you want to be healed? Jesus asked him. Supposing him for one who would help him into the water, he answered; I do not have anyone to help me into the water when it is stirred.
Jesus is the fountain of living water. He is the author of life, the healer and redeemer. When present, entering the water of Bethesda becomes irrelevant. This man encountered Jesus and his 38 years of sorrow turned into witnessing. We have Jesus present with us in the Holy Eucharist. What else do you want?
Friends, what is sick in your life that Jesus needs to heal? Spiritual sickness? Mental and physical? Allow Jesus to heal you. Open up to him.
May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
