17 Mar
Tue
4th Week of Lent
Ez 47:1-9, 12
Ps 45 (46):2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Jn 5:1-3, 5-16
(Ps Wk IV)
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In Ezekiel's vision, water flows from the temple, beginning as a trickle and becoming a river too deep to cross. Wherever it goes, life awakens. In it life teems. The barren desert blooms, trees bear fruit, and even the dead waters are healed. This is no ordinary river; it flows from the presence of God. Its power is not forced or rushed, yet it steadily transforms everything it touches. God's life is generous, persistent, and renewing.

In John's Gospel, we meet another pool of water, surrounded not by flourishing trees but by human suffering — those who are sick, weak, and waiting. Among them lies a man who has been ill for thirty-eight years, stuck in hope deferred. Jesus does not stir the water; instead, he speaks words of life. "Get up, pick up your sleeping-mat and walk." Healing flows not from the pool, but from Christ himself.

Together, these passages reveal a deeper truth: the waters of Ezekiel find their fulfillment in Jesus. He is the true temple, the living source from which God's healing life flows. Where Jesus enters, stagnation gives way to movement, despair to restoration, and barrenness to growth. His presence does not merely improve life; it recreates it.

Today, wherever we feel dry, stuck, or lifeless, Christ invites us to step into the river of his grace. From him flows forgiveness, renewal, and strength enough to rise. In Jesus, the water of life is always moving — always healing — always enough.



Jesus, source of life, reinvigorate my drooping spirit.



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day jul be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
For disarmament and peace.
Let us pray that nations move towards effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
Elaboration

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