Church Bulletin - May 6, 2001 - Sunday of the Paralytic

Sunday of the Paralytic

Sunday of the Paralytic - May 6, 2001
[ Click here for the Bible readings: Acts 9:32-42; Jn 5:1-15 ]

"DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL"

During the time of Christ, the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem was thought to have curative powers. The waters came from underground springs, and many healings were attributed to the mere act of entering the pool after the "stirring of the waters" which, according to tradition, was caused by an angel. The waters had a practical purpose as well. Located near an area called the "Sheep Gate", the Bethesda pool was an ideal place to wash down the sacrificial lambs before they were slain for Temple usage.

It was here that our Lord encounters a man who has been in a state of paralysis for some 38 years. Without anyone to assist him, the paralytic can never enter the waters in time to be cured of his affliction.

Christ has compassion for him, and gives him the ability to "rise and walk." The message of the Gospel lesson, however, goes far beyond illustrating our Savior's power to heal physical suffering. While we must be careful not to view illnesses and maladies as consequences of sin, we must not overlook our Lord's final words to the paralytic: "SIN NO MORE, LEST A WORSE THING COME UPON YOU." We do not have a God of RETRIBUTION, Who causes us to suffer punishment for our sins in this lifetime. Ours is a God of JUSTICE, Who will expect us to give an accounting for our deeds at the Final Judgment. We must stay "spiritually healthy", which mean avoiding sin at any cost. Our souls cannot be paralyzed by sin if we expect to "walk" into the Kingdom of God.

Special Message for the day...

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. Five sets of pillars around the pool supported a domed roof, and under this roof there lay many people sick with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. At a certain season an Angel of the Lord came down to the pool and troubled water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had. It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel was lying, tormented by his infirmity of 38 years, and where the Lord said to him, "Rise, take up thy bed and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed and departed rejoicing to his own house. The Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord, by His mighty Arm, has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death, and become the firstborn of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy

THEOTOKION

We praise you, Virgin Theotokos, intercessor of our race. In the flesh He received from you, your Son, our loving God, freed us from corruption by condescending to the Passion of the Cross.

APOLYTIKION OF SAINT NICHOLAS

An example of Faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of abstinence you did inspire and lead your flock and through your truthfulness of your deeds were exalted by greatness through your humility uplifting all and by poverty gaining wealth. Father and hierarch Nicholas intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

KONTAKION

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and rose the victor, Christ God. To the myrrh-bearing women, saying "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You are He Who raised up the fallen.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
1260 Davis Street, San Jose, California 95126