Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent March 8, 2005 Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16 Reflection: Jesus knew that the man had been sick a long time and said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” -John 5:6 Poor Jesus! All he wanted to do is show the crowd that reaching out in compassion and love can be done at any time, any moment. Just seize the moment when it occurs. Forget your self and be attentive to what is around you. Our days are hectic and we are so caught up in our own little world that the lame and the blind go unnoticed as did the man in the gospel. In the hustle and bustle of the day, Jesus stopped, and with the eyes of his heart, looked upon the man and took time to notice. Jesus blessed the man with compassion and love. He paid attention to him. He cared about him. So, too, must we. We also can bless others with our gentleness and peace. All of us have loving hearts that God has placed in us. Being sensitive and caring for those around us will bring us to the realization that we are all loved by God. Suggested Action: Stop, look around you, reach out with your loving heart. Let no one go “unnoticed.” Sr. St. Mel Wright, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania

Graphic: Sr. Anselm McShea, IHM