Properly understand.

Some religious people have several wrong attitudes towards holy things and are prone to expect, for example, a miraculous medal, scapular or water for their salvation and healing. Thirty years ago, pilgrimages were widely made to Turzovka, where Our Lady was supposed to appear to the forester. At that time, the Episcopal congregation had to crack down very hard because people were coming to this place to beg Our Lady and at the same time transgressing the Church’s injunction. On Sundays and the commanded feast, these pilgrims did not go to Mass. Nay, there was much talk of healing. But there was none when the bishop-appointed commission investigating this suddenly asked for serious evidence. Only in the words of Jesus is their salvation.

This is what this Gospel teaches us, too, when Jesus says to the sick man who had been lying at the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, near the Pool of Beth sat, for thirty-eight years, “Get up, take up your bed, and go.” (Jn 5:8).

In both of today’s readings, there is talk of healing water. Ezekiel tells of the fertilizing water that transformed the desert into a rich garden.
John in the Gospel, on the other hand, tells of the healing power of the water in the pool of Bethsaida. This was not the natural power of water. We might compare it to the effects of the water in Lourdes today, where many unexplained healing have taken place due to a sick person being immersed in that water. In the book Lourdes Beacon of the Atomic Age, these events are not written about in a superficial sense because a committee of doctors investigates each case, and the doctors may not be believers. When the Church gives proof of unexplained healing, it is provided after a thorough investigation. Thus, nothing superficial, fanciful.

But the Gospel wants to tell us that all our salvation comes from the Lord Jesus. We have talked about the three stages of faith, and the gospel seeks to reinforce this effort of ours to improve our confidence.

The sick person lies in the pillar by the pond where he came or had himself brought to be healed in the water that restores health. But he had no one to carry him into this water when he was coiled; that is when he acquired healing power for a while. It was something strange. The water in the pond, after the beast, healed only one, and that was the first one who entered it. This sick man is, therefore, sad. When Jesus asks him if he wants to be made well, hope dawns on the sick man. But the sick man sees only an ill body, and Jesus wants to give him his salvation. The sick man thinks that Jesus wants to take him there, but Jesus prefers not to become a nurse. He would like to heal by his word. The sick man is not healed thanks to miraculous water, nor with some tried and true practices, but with the love of Jesus. This was to lead him to seek both Jesus and salvation. Jesus, who healed his body, can also heal his soul, so we understand Jesus’ words of admonition, “Behold, you are healed; sin no more, lest something worse befall you.” (Jn 5:14).

Our faith is not based on the power of sanctified objects. These objects, such as scapulars, numerals, and medallions, are merely visible objects designed to inspire and sustain faith in the power and strength of the teachings of Jesus Christ. When we take such things in our hands, let us not then yield to superstition, to magical charms, for our pious reverence for these objects is only intended to deepen our dependence on God.
There is a difference between wearing a cross around one’s neck or a rosary on one’s finger to invoke God’s help and protection and one who carries these objects around as a talisman for good fortune or success. May these objects, these symbols, have a place in our lives and remind us of the salvation of our souls. But may they help us grow spiritually and move forward in fulfilling God’s and the Church’s commands.

In some schools nowadays, it is said that it does not bother some teachers that young people behave vulgarly and do not fulfill their study duties. Still, when young Christians have a rosary on their hands, they are already bothered by it, and they say that it interferes with their study duties. I know many who achieve good results and have exemplary behavior because they are believers. They set an example. Yes, we must not provoke anyone, but neither must we passively resign. Let us enjoy these and similar things with discretion for the salvation of our immortal souls.

In these things, let us submit ourselves to the discipline of the Church, and in so doing, let us convince ourselves that it will only be to the benefit of the cause and our salvation.