Paralysis

 pə-răl′ĭ-sĭs—noun; 1) loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, usually as a result of damage to its nerve supply; 2) loss of sensation over a region of the body; 3) inability to move or function, total stoppage or severe impairment of activity

Well, at least what the American Heritage Dictionary says about the word.

We find this kind of paralysis in today’s Gospel’s description of the paralytic that our Lord finds at the pool by the Sheep’s Gate.

The pool was near to the Temple.  Faithful Jews would bring their offering of sheep for sacrifice in the Temple and bathe them in this pool to remove the filth that living in the world attached to them.  Then they would take their clean animals into the Temple as an offering for their sins.

The man whom we know only as “the paralytic” is found by our Lord sitting near this pool.  Why?  Because at a certain time an angel came and stirred the water granting a healing blessing to the first to enter.  Being paralyzed, the man sought this healing.  When our Lord asks Do you want to be made well, the man who suffered this malady for 38 years simply replied, Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred.  Now, this poor unfortunate has the God-man, the Son of Man, and the water is superfluous.  For our Lord heals the man, not by touch, not by using the water, but by His word alone.  Rise, take up your bed and walk.

St. John records that immediately the man was made well, not in hours, not after going to another location, but as soon as our Lord spoke the word, he could stand.  He could move!

Many may respond, “That’s great, father.  I’m not paralyzed.  What does it mean to me?”

You (and I) may not be paralyzed according to the opening definition.  But I submit to you an alternate definition of paralysis:  4) inability to function, or total stoppage or severe impairment to move spiritually.

Now, let’s reconsider our divorcing ourselves from today’s miracle, for I think I must conclude for myself that I indeed DO suffer from such spiritual paralysis.  How so?

The first manifestation is “excuses”.  When it’s time to pray, I’m too busy, too tired, unprepared.  In short, there are “things” that prevent me from taking the action called for.  I SHOULD MOVE, BUT I DON’T. 

Another manifestation is “judgmentalism”.  There are those my Lord would describe as my neighbor, but I don’t do for them what He has shown me as my example with the Good Samaritan.  I set my own value on them by ascribing to myself the greater importance.  I covet my time, my resources, my ability to be a help, and hold them to myself.  The blessings God has given me, I do not share with those in need.  I SHOULD MOVE, BUT I DON’T. 

Can I yet hear my Lord asking ME, Do you want to be made well?  You see, there is a certain measure of comfort in my spiritual paralysis, isn’t there?

And so I look and see myself sitting by my own Sheep’s Pool and asking, “Is there anyone who will put me in?” 

You see, I DO want to change!

Christ is Risen!