(VIDEO ONLY): Continuing the catechesis series at the Wednesday general audience, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda.
The Pope used this passage to speak about how people often fall into resignation and lose hope.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATHEQUESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on the Jubilee theme of “Jesus Christ our Hope”, we now consider Jesus’ miraculous cure of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda. Many physically disabled people came to bathe there in hope of a cure, yet Jesus chose that man, who had been paralyzed for thirtyeight years and was unable to enter the pool by himself. Jesus’ question to him – “Do you want to be healed?” – was penetrating. It challenged the paralytic’s sense of helplessness and resignation, and invited him to hope that his life could be changed. Jesus tells him to stand, take up his mat and walk. The mat was in fact the symbol of the man’s past paralysis, physical and spiritual, which he can now accept and leave behind as he begins his new life. In this Jubilee of hope, may we remember in our prayers all those who suffer and feel tempted to discouragement. Whatever problems or setbacks we may face in life, let us turn to Jesus, acknowledge our desire for healing, and accept his promise of freedom and newness of life.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly the groups from England, Northern Ireland, Norway, Cameroon, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Canada and the United States of America. My special greeting goes to the members of the “HOPE80” international delegation at the start of the “Flame of Hope” pilgrimage as they seek to promote reconciliation and peace in this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. May the light of divine love and fraternity always burn brightly in the hearts of the men and women of our one human family. Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the Lord’s gifts of wisdom, strength and joy.
God bless you.
CA
Trans. CRT
