Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

As Jesus came to the pool in Bethesda surrounded by many ill, blind, lame and crippled persons, he saw a man obviously ill for a long time (in actuality, 38 years).  When he inquired if the man wanted to be well, the man offered a poignant story, “I have no one to put me into the well when the water is stirred up and while I am on my way, someone gets there before me.”    

Fr. James Martin, SJ visited the pool at Bethesda during a trip to the Holy Land.  In his book, Jesus – A Pilgrimage, he reflects on the loneliness embodied in that statement.  When our fragile life balance is disrupted, we all rely on outside help to lend a hand.  The man had “no one” to help; he was alone.  Many of those we serve at Catholic Charities walk this walk.  Our world races by those who are sick, disabled, living in poverty or experiencing homelessness.

But Jesus is drawn to the man as one who was suffering.  Our Lord was a friend to the friendless, a helper to those with no earthly help.  In our charitable work, our challenge, our opportunity is to see with the eyes of Christ and to use our time, our gifts, and our resources to move those in need from struggle towards self-sufficiency.  While all three are important, to properly acknowledge the dignity of our clients, spending time with those we serve is essential. We’re called to accompany our clients, as no one is meant to journey alone.  Jesus was always stopping to speak with the blind, the lepers, and the sick – those cast out from society.  Those who are lonely and forgotten crave personal interaction; when we take a moment to sit with them, to learn their story, or to share a smile, we affirm their worth.  Those connections can be powerful medicine, giving people the hope to persevere through challenging times. 

Lord God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear your words. Teach me to see as you see, to listen as you listen, to love as you love.

Deacon Scott Haner serves at St. Patrick Parish in Louisville, KY, and is a board member of Catholic Charities of Louisville.

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