"Do you want to be healed?"

Gospel Reflection Question #3 "Do you want to be healed?" John 5:6

A man who had been ill for 38 years lay by the pool known as Bethesda. Jesus knew that the man had been there a long time, and asked him, "Do you want to be healed?" Once the man professed his desire to be healed Jesus told him to "stand up, take your mat and walk."

A discussion of "healing" can be laden with confusion and disappointment, since we see almost every day one person who is healed, and another who is not. There is a danger that lurks there creating the assumption that some people are closer to God and therefore get healed while others who are not in God's favor are bypassed. Those that aren't brought to health may be viewed as deserving of their troubles.

For the purposes of this reflective exercise, let's consider the possibility that there is a difference between "healing" and "curing." While being "cured" of an injury or disease may be a physical restoration of some sort, let's consider "healing" to be a spiritual restoration (which may or may not lead to a physical cure). Being healed is to be made whole in a spiritual sense. We come to terms with our affliction, accept it and keep it in life's perspective while we continue to seek a cure.

The physical part of ourselves is form, and all form is impermanent. It will not last. No one can be physically cured forever. The spiritual part of us, however, is essence, and essence is permanent. We can be spiritually healed forever.

To be spiritually healed, to be fully united with God, we have to want it. Jesus is looking for that willingness to follow him, to learn from him and to risk your life with him. He is the only true healer. Our Aspirant in France, Katherine, recently sent me this bit of wisdom which she collected on her spiritual journey:

”If looking back makes you suffer too much,
And if looking forwards makes you too afraid,
Look to your side and I will always be there with you."

So, before healing can take place, there has to be a willingness to heal. A person who does not want to be healed can negate even the best medicine, the most skilled hands of a surgeon, or the expert guidance of a therapist. If we wish to firmly identify with our past pains or future worries, the chances for healing are remote.

Therefore Jesus asks, "Do you want to be healed?" He's asking if there is a willingness to take that all important step of openness, acceptance, release and non-judgment. Are you ready to leave the past and the future where they belong, and look to him who walks beside you in the Present?

Do you want to be healed? What healing do you need right now? Take some time with this and write down your responses in your journal. Share your thoughts with trusted advisors and counselors.

As an additional reading for this reflective exercise, you may want to consider Psalm 51.

May God be with you on your journey!

Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG