Meditation on John 5:1-16

Thirty-eight years
Sick.
Thirty-eight years
Invalid.
Thirty-eight years
Waiting.

One man.
In a multitude.
Insignificant.
Ignored.

A stir in the crowd:
Jesus is coming!
Voices murmur
Gossip ripples
Through the masses
Ears strain
To hear the stories
Of miracles.
Of healings.
Even if it is true
Does it matter?

A man
Sees.
Notices.
Walks over.
Asks:

"Do you want to get well?"

Absurd question!
Thirty-eight years waiting.
Helpless.
Shouldn't it be obvious?
Indignant.
Embarrassed.
Make excuses.
For being here
Thirty-eight long years.

The man speaks again:
"Get up."
"Pick up your mat."
"Walk."

Immediately
Standing
Obeying
Healed
Restored

New energy flowing
Through every limb
Moving freely
Picking up the mat
Walking away
On two feet
All else forgotten
This is what it is to be free

Halted by harsh voices
"How dare you
"Carry your mat?
"It is the sabbath!"

Abruptly reminded
Of rules
And expectations.
Joy evaporates.
Make excuses.
Blame the man.
It's his fault.

Slink away
Fearful of judgment
The mat now a burden
Heart turning
To the simplicity
Of life by the pool
Is this freedom
Really what I wanted?