Reflection by Julie Ann Monzi Today's Gospel: John 5:1-16 Jesus asked an incredible question of the man who had been ill for 38 years. “Do you want to be well?” You would think it would be obvious that he wanted to be healed. He’s lying next to a pool of water known for its healing properties. But Jesus knows our human nature. He knows that many of us cling to what isn’t good for us. Either our identities become wrapped up in our condition, or we are afraid of the unknown. It’s easier to lie by the pool as you’ve always done, longing, than to face an unknown future. After Jesus healed him, the Gospel says that Jesus found the man in the temple area. Our Lord said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” Worse? I know I would have responded, “I’ve just spent the last 38 years being ill. What worse thing could happen to me?” Jesus knows that sin has consequences far worse than sitting helplessly for 38 years. Those consequences can be felt throughout eternity. Thankfully, as Catholics, we have the wonderful Sacrament of Reconciliation where we can confess and be absolved of our sins. Our souls can be healed just like the man in today’s Gospel. So the next time you go to Confession and the priest prays the words of absolution, feel the Lord’s cleansing of your soul and hear Jesus say, “Do not sin any more so that nothing worse may happen to you.”

Ponder:

Is there an area of your life that you need to relinquish and offer to Jesus for healing? When was the last time you took part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? It is never too late to go to Confession.

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Help me to make a good Confession so that “nothing worse may happen to” me.
Copyright 2020 Julie Ann Monzi Julie Ann Monzi lives in Gettysburg, PA, with her husband, three grown children, and three cats. She enjoys reading, hiking the Gettysburg Battlefield, and watching British mysteries. Julie’s work has appeared in magazines that include Harpstring Magazine, Liguorian, and Radiant. You can find her on Facebook. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
Interests
  Gospel Reflections 800x800 gold outline

About the Author

Gospel Reflections Team

Gospel Reflections Team

Our Gospel Reflections Team is comprised of over 115 volunteers. We invite you to join us daily to reflect upon the Liturgy of the Word and thank our volunteers for sharing their gifts.