"When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5: 6).
Tuesday 16th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent.
Once upon a time, I struggled with alcohol abuse. I kept it secret and tried everything I knew to heal myself. Persistence did not break the resistance of the demons holding me captive. Then one Saturday afternoon, in the Sacrament of Penance, I confessed this same sin again. As I got to the pew and knelt down to do my penance, I heard distinctly an inner voice: "If you want, I can heal you." I said: "Yes Lord. Heal me." I have not touched a drop of alcohol since that day. It has been over 25 years.
Our Gospel of today records the encounter of Jesus with a crippled man. Jesus knew he had been in this condition for 38 years. What the man did not know was that Jesus was not there by chance or accident. Jesus had a divine appointment with the Crippled on that day and place and time. Happily the crippled man was ready and received his healing.
We are saved by grace through faith. The day Jesus freed me from the oppression of alcohol by His merciful love, I received a free gift but I cooperated with Jesus like the crippled man by saying "Yes Lord. Heal me."
Where do you need healing in your life? Jesus is always passing by. Are you ready for Him?
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
The exact same miracle happened to me. I was in church praying to Jesus for the strength to be healed from this addiction when my body began to shiver and a voice said to me “you will never taste another drop of alcohol as long as you live”. For the past 35 years I have not had the urge to consume another alcoholic beverage. Thank You Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tom for sharing. Jesus is wonderfully faithful. When we share our miracles, we glorify the Lord and encourage our brothers and sisters to trust the Lord. Peace and blessings to you always.
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