The Journey Through Lent

 

Reflection on Today's Readings, Tuesday, 4th Week of Lent, Year B, March 16th, 2021
Texts: Ezek. 47:1-9.12; Ps. 46:2-3.5-6.8-9; John 5:1-16
Today's first reading is rich in meaning; prophet Ezekiel has used an image that is rich in biblical messages. In the image of the river of water, we see a dive into the mystery of God, into the mystery of His kingdom,  we see a journey in the spirit, the journey of faith, we see the blessings of God, we see the river  of life, we see the going forth of the word of God, the gospel, we see the water of baptism, we see the water that flows from the side of Jesus on the Cross, we see the gift of Holy Spirit and the grace of God. Today, we will speak on the journey of prophet Ezekiel through the water.
Prophet Ezekiel's journey through the water was not to know the  length and breadth of the river or the direction, it was to experience the increase in the depth of the river. It is said, "Going on eastward with a line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the loins. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through." This journey represents our journey in the season of Lent. Lenten journey is a journey into deeper relationship with God. This reminds us that our relationship with God is a journey, it is not something that is once and for all; it grows and develops all through life. The knowledge of God comes to us gradually, not at once; God reveals Himself to us bit by bit. The more we persevere and continue in our relationship with God the deeper we are into the mystery of God.
The journey of prophet Ezekiel through the river reached the ankles, then the waist, and finally to the point that no one  can pass through it, but only to swim. At that point prophet Ezekiel says, "And he said to me, 'Son of man, have you seen this?'” When the angel led him to the peak, he left him to wonder and ponder by asking him the question: "Son of man, have you seen this?" The deeper we are into the mystery of God the more we are left to wonder and  ponder. This is because the mystery is so great; it is beyond the capacity of our mind. The mystery is revealed to us by God, not through our reason but through faith in Him.
While prophet Ezekiel was still wondering and pondering, he was led back along the bank of the river. The journey back is a reflection on the journey so far and doing so, he became aware of the blessings the water has brought upon the world: it renews, it gives life, it gives hope, it revives, it gives joy and strength, it gives health. Prophet Ezekiel reports thus: "As I went back, I saw upon the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said to me, 'This water flows towards the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes every living creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 'And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.'” The journey through Lent comes with blessings: life, hope, health of the soul,  renewal and revival.
The gospel reading shows us that the prophecy of the river in the first reading is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ fulfilled what the river is meant for.  The gospel reading tells us about a man waiting to be healed through a pool called Bethzatha, meaning house of kindness. The man met Jesus Christ and he received what he had been waiting for. This  means the river in the prophecy of Ezekiel is the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever is in Jesus Christ is like a tree by the riverside; its leaves never wither nor its fruits fail. Such a tree bears fruits in and out of season. In Jesus Christ we have life, health of the soul, hope, renewal and revival.

Lord our God, we thank you for your Son who is the fountain of all goodness to us, grant that we may live so as to partake of the goodness. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke