Pastor’s Corner – May 25, 2025
Stand Up – John 5:1-9
There was a man who was ill for 38 years. Like many others who were ill and seeking healing, he sat next to the pool of Bethesda. It’s said that when the water is stirred by divine presence the first one who places one’s body in the pool will be healed. This man was unable to get in the water first and was left in the margin, no one to help or even advocate on his behalf. This is where Jesus meets him where he is, not only advocating on his behalf but listening to the man’s desire to be healed. Jesus gives him space, visibility and centers him. Then something remarkable happens. At Jesus’ command “Stand up!” the man has faith and courage, gets up taking his mat and is healed!
What’s the lesson here for us as we near the end of Easter season and Pentecost just around the corner? Who can relate with the story here in our world today? The good news is that God pays attention to those who are least among us, who may feel abandoned, marginalized and invisible.
Yes, but how does this translate to our human suffering today? Where is God in Gaza? Where is God when children are dying from starvation? Where is God when post-colonialism and empire building activities have created so much injustice and human misery? And at a personal level, where is God in my darkest hours, when I scream in pain that can’t be heard? These questions are not simple but demand a response.
Do we want to be made whole? We hear Jesus’ words. Do we want justice and peace in our world? We hear Jesus’ words. Do we want to be heard and center our lives, simply to live? We hear Jesus’ words.
“Stand up!”
The message this Sunday is about empowerment. It’s about creating hope and justice. It’s about reclaiming our agency as God’s children. It’s about where Christ’s presence in our world as the body of Christ, the church. It’s about you and me in the power of the Spirit, to live, to love and be made whole! see you in worship!
Pastor Dae