Today's Meditation: Patient Resistance

Today's Meditation: Patient Resistance: There was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" John 5: 5–6

Only those who have been paralyzed for many years could understand what this man endured in life. He was crippled and unable to walk for thirty-eight years. It was believed that the pool he lay next to had the power of healing. Therefore, many who were sick and crippled sat by the pool and tried to be the first to enter it when the waters were raised. From time to time, that person was said to have received a healing.

Meditation today, patient resistance: a teaching from Jesus

Meditation today: the patient's resistance: Jesus sees this man and clearly perceives his desire for healing after so many years. Most likely, his desire for healing was the dominant desire in his life. Without the ability to walk, he would not be able to work and provide for himself. He would have to rely on begging and the generosity of others. Thinking about this man, his suffering and his constant attempts to heal from this pool should move any heart to compassion. And because Jesus' heart was filled with compassion, he was moved to offer this man not only the healing he so deeply desired, but much more.

A virtue in this man's heart that would particularly have moved Jesus to compassion is the virtue of patient endurance. This virtue is ability to have hope in the midst of some continuous and long trial. It is also referred to as "long-suffering" or "long-suffering". Usually, when faced with a difficulty, the immediate reaction is to look for a way out. As time goes by and that difficulty is not removed, it is easy to fall into discouragement and even despair. The patient's resistance is the cure for this temptation. When they can patiently endure anything and everything they suffer in life, there is a spiritual strength within them that benefits them in many ways. Other small challenges are more easily tolerated. Hope is born within them in a powerful way. Joy also comes with this virtue despite the ongoing struggle.

This virtue is the ability to have hope

When Jesus saw this living virtue in this man, he was prompted to reach out and heal him. And the main reason Jesus healed this man was not just to help him physically, but because the man believed in Jesus and followed Him.

Reflect today on this wonderful virtue of patient endurance. The trials of life should ideally be viewed not in a negative way, but as an invitation to the patient's endurance. Think about how you handle your trials. Is it with deep and continuous patience, hope and joy? Or is it with anger, bitterness and despair. Pray for the gift of this virtue and try to imitate this crippled man.

My Lord of all hope, you have endured so much in life and you have persevered in everything in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Give me strength in the midst of life's trials so that I can grow strong in the hope and joy that comes from that strength. May I turn away from sin and turn to You with total trust. Jesus I believe in you.