RESPONSE REQUIRED

Read John 5:1-9

Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

~John 5:8-9~

When I was baptized at age 38, I thought I would change immediately for the better as a result of my choice to become a Christian: I would always be patient with my kids. I would happily be generous with my time and material goods. I would show kindness to everyone at all times.

But time passed, and I felt like the same person I had always been. I realized that change was not going to occur without effort on my part. Mt encounter with Jesus required a response from me. Yes, I was given a new life at baptism, but I was going to have to live it out. If I expected to develop the virtues of patience, generosity, and kindness, I was going to have to practice them — even when I didn’t feel like it.

The man at the pool of Bethesda had been ill for 38 years before meeting Jesus. John’s Gospel tells us that after his encounter with Jesus, “At once the man was cured.” But along with healing, Jesus commanded him to get up, pick up his mat, and walk. Rather than continuing to lie by the pool, the man embraced the new life he had been given, picked up his mat, and walked. Jesus asks us to do the same, trusting that he is with us every step of the way.

Jesus offers me new life, and then I must live it.

Jennifer Haught (Indiana)

Giver of life, grant us the courage to embrace the new life you offer and live according to your calling. Amen