The Gospels
John 5:1‑3, 5‑16
Jesus cures the man at the pool of Bethesda
St. Gaspar
Let us have recourse incessantly to the fountains of Jesus which are his wounds. In them the thirsty soul, like the stag, quenches its thirst with the very sweet waters that are the symbols of the Lord's graces. Indeed, in those fountains we will always find every benefit.[1]
May our soul be like the dove near mystical waters and let us quench our thirst in Jesus and with Jesus. ... When I use the word always, I mean to say that, in addition to the time that is provided for us to be engaged in this religious adoration, our hearts should ever remain united to the Sacred Tabernacle, the center of peace and of salvation. Also, in no way at all should the reception of communion be set aside. It brings healing to our small infirmities and gives us strength. [2]
"Therefore, let us walk along the road of perfection, according to the rules that accompany our state of life; and with the crucifix ever before our eyes, let us repeat continuously: "mihi autem absit gloriari nisi in cruce Domini nostri J.X.,"[3] for the time will come when, blessed by God, we will be placed on the high throne of glory in the blessed Jerusalem. Amen." [4]
Reflection
John's Gospel continues to be proclaimed during this later part of Lent as the catechumens prepare for baptism and the rest of us prepare our minds and hearts to renew the promises of our own baptism. More than just a physical washing with water, the effect of Baptism is an interior change, cleansing and healing.
This gospel reveals Jesus compassion and desire for our healing. Yet we have to be open to more than just a physical washing and external healing. Did this man believe? Did he know the extravagant compassion of Jesus? Did this healing turn him toward a new way of life, or was he still caught in external laws, customs and rules? We shall never know the answers to those questions, but we can ask those questions of ourselves.
In these fountains of the Lord's wounds, Gaspar teaches, we shall always find the benefit of the Lord's compassion and desire for our healing. Yet we must come with open and trusting hearts that will lead us along the roads to perfection.
[1] to Luigia del Bufalo, Letter 3669, Strokes of the Pen V
[2] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris, 9 May 1830, Letter 2034, Resources 23, pg 30
[3] Galatians 6:14 mihi autem absit gloriari nisi in cruce Domini nostri Iesu Christi per quem mihi mundus crucifixus est et ego mundo. (Vulgate) But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (NAB)
[4] from Letter No. 42 to Msgr. Annibale Ginnasi, February-March, 1813, Resources 4, pg 8
John 5:1‑3, 5‑16
Jesus cures the man at the pool of Bethesda
St. Gaspar
Let us have recourse incessantly to the fountains of Jesus which are his wounds. In them the thirsty soul, like the stag, quenches its thirst with the very sweet waters that are the symbols of the Lord's graces. Indeed, in those fountains we will always find every benefit.[1]
May our soul be like the dove near mystical waters and let us quench our thirst in Jesus and with Jesus. ... When I use the word always, I mean to say that, in addition to the time that is provided for us to be engaged in this religious adoration, our hearts should ever remain united to the Sacred Tabernacle, the center of peace and of salvation. Also, in no way at all should the reception of communion be set aside. It brings healing to our small infirmities and gives us strength. [2]
"Therefore, let us walk along the road of perfection, according to the rules that accompany our state of life; and with the crucifix ever before our eyes, let us repeat continuously: "mihi autem absit gloriari nisi in cruce Domini nostri J.X.,"[3] for the time will come when, blessed by God, we will be placed on the high throne of glory in the blessed Jerusalem. Amen." [4]
Reflection
John's Gospel continues to be proclaimed during this later part of Lent as the catechumens prepare for baptism and the rest of us prepare our minds and hearts to renew the promises of our own baptism. More than just a physical washing with water, the effect of Baptism is an interior change, cleansing and healing.
This gospel reveals Jesus compassion and desire for our healing. Yet we have to be open to more than just a physical washing and external healing. Did this man believe? Did he know the extravagant compassion of Jesus? Did this healing turn him toward a new way of life, or was he still caught in external laws, customs and rules? We shall never know the answers to those questions, but we can ask those questions of ourselves.
In these fountains of the Lord's wounds, Gaspar teaches, we shall always find the benefit of the Lord's compassion and desire for our healing. Yet we must come with open and trusting hearts that will lead us along the roads to perfection.
- How do show my belief that Jesus desires my healing?
- What healing do I desire?
- How would I show I am willing to live a new life?
[1] to Luigia del Bufalo, Letter 3669, Strokes of the Pen V
[2] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris, 9 May 1830, Letter 2034, Resources 23, pg 30
[3] Galatians 6:14 mihi autem absit gloriari nisi in cruce Domini nostri Iesu Christi per quem mihi mundus crucifixus est et ego mundo. (Vulgate) But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (NAB)
[4] from Letter No. 42 to Msgr. Annibale Ginnasi, February-March, 1813, Resources 4, pg 8
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