Ordinary Time

Pause

It is time. It is time to be. Be still. Be silent if you can. Just be for a few moments.

The Good News will come to you, and God willing, come through you. Read, experience, and then share. But first, be.

Listen

After this there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate in the north city wall is a pool with the Aramaic name Bethsaida. It had five covered porches, and a crowd of people who were sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed sat there. A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years.

John 5:1-5

Think

Before becoming a priest I worked in the entertainment production industry. One night, after filming, I decided to take a short cut by driving through the unlit back lot of the studio. It quickly became dark and I could not see where I was going, so I followed on instinct. Soon enough I discovered myself driving on some kind of a ramp, and then I noticed water rising to either side of me. I realized just in time that I had begun driving on the Universal Studios “Red Sea” attraction! If only I had known where I was going!

Our reading today has a strong sense of place and time. This helps us to remember that even in these ancient readings that Jesus did not just do things, but he was involved in history. Just the same, he is with us now, today, in our times and places. Whether you are on a right, bumpy, curving, or straight road in life, know and remember that Jesus is here with you today wherever you are.

Peter Ackerman

Pray

Jesus, in scripture you promise that you will be with me always. Help me to see this today and to remember that no matter what, you are here. If there are others who need this comforting news, I pray that you will put them in my path so that I may share that with them. Amen.

Go

You are never alone.

Remember this, and go out and find others; others who need the reminder of that Good News, and others who can bring God’s message to you.

Be who you are, and spread the Good News today.