I have no one to put me into the pool. (John 5:7)
That this man lay helpless for thirty-eight years apparently attracted little attention. He wanted to be healed, but never once did he soak in the healing waters of the pool of Bethesda. He was unable to move himself into the pool fast enough, and no one seemed -willing to help him.
How depressing this must have been! Apathy is an epidemic that keeps poor people poor, homeless people homeless, hungry people hungry, and lost people lost.
Scripture says, “ -‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:13-14).
Just as the lame man could not be healed unless someone helped him, people won’t come to know Jesus unless someone shares the gospel with them.
It is true that the conversion of souls is God’s work, but we are the ones whom he calls to evangelize.
Ours is a twofold witness—a witness of life and of word
.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”
In other words, it’s in the daily living out of Jesus’ life in us
that we become witnesses to those around us.
Jesus wants us to be salt and light—in the right amount and at the proper time.
A little salt makes someone thirsty, but a lot of salt makes someone sick. A moderate light brings warmth, but excessive light causes a painful burn.
Similarly, evangelization is meant to offer truth in a way that attracts and appeals—free from pressure or moral superiority.
We are meant to invite people to share the experience of being cleansed and refreshed by God that we ourselves have received.
As we remain immersed in the river of his grace and healing power, we can say to others, “Come on in, the water’s fine!”
