Not one more second

The first reading in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today is from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel who according to Friar Jude Winkler was a priest of the Temple during the Babylonian exile. He is expressing the great effect for healing, growth and fertility of spirit that flow from an intimate relationship with God which he experiences through the practices of worship around the Temple. The understanding that the relationship with the Divine is not restricted to being experienced in the 'holy place" was one of the revelations of the Exile. As we come to be in touch with the Divine Spirit through the resonance of our indwelling Spirit with the Scripture, prayer and liturgy we appreciate the role of special places and time to focus like a lens our attention of the experience of communion with God. This spiritual well being and healing, Friar Jude's vertical dimension, creates harmony with the horizontal dimension, our relationship with others.  The text from the Gospel of John tells of a healing place, confirmed by archeological evidence, in Jerusalem where healing was experienced. Jesus angers the religious authorities by placing the healing of the man who had been ill for thirty-eight years at a higher priority than the observance of the Sabbath traditions which prohibited work, including healing. Friar Jude raises the question of why Jesus would not wait until the next day because the man had waited so long already. The theme that Now is the appropriate time is clear. The intimate union and reunion with God is only delayed by the reluctance of people. God gives Life now!