Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Did you ever wonder: “How long has she had to endure that situation?”  Or “How has he managed with so much going on?”  Or “How with all these things can she get up in the morning?”  The neighbors who visit our agencies and programs each day carry with them so many burdens and hurts and pains and dilemmas, big and small.  Our task is not to judge how long or why but merely to meet the person where she or he is and offer a listening, objective ear to begin to help sort things out.  

When new people begin to volunteer with us in distributing food, I remind them that “we do not know the story, and so we will not make judgements or comments, but we will be kind, compassionate, and loving.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus was all those things.  We learn that the man in the story had been ill for 38 years.  For some whom we serve, that would be a lifetime, and for others just a small portion of their life.  The length of time does not matter.  What does matter is that our words and actions help them to walk again, help them to feel empowered to make a new choice and help them “be well.”  

The reading from Ezekiel reminds us of the life that springs forth from the flowing water.  I have been a swimmer for many years, but during this pandemic I have not been able to swim.  My “water time,” as I like to call it, helps me to be ready for the people who will be in my day.   As a result of this “absence of water,” I know that sometimes my patience is short, my judgements are quick, and my spirit is tired.  

“All who are thirsty, come to the waters,” from today’s entrance antiphon, is a reminder that we know the source for our healing.  We also know that we do not do this work or the journey of our life alone.  The Jesus who made that ill man well has just as much interest in touching those places in us that need healing, refreshing, enlightening and transforming. In turn, we are able to do likewise.  May these Lenten days offer a balm for your soul and refreshment for your Spirit! 

Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ serves as the Director of Community Partnerships for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, NY. She serves on the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team.

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