As we continue to rejoice in the glorious light of our Lord’s resurrection, we have been reminded again and again of worth of the body. It was His His body that was raised in the tomb; Joseph, Nicodemus and the Myrrhbearing Women showed their love for Him by remembering His body; the Holy Apostle Thomas would not believe until he touched Christ’s body.
As we approach the fourth Sunday of Pascha, we stand at the Pool of Bethesda (house of mercy) as Jesus heals the paralyzed body of a very sad man. (John 5: 1-15)
Surely, the 38 years of infirmity had taken their toll on his mind, soul and heart. He was held captive by fear (“I have no man to help me”) and anger (“another steps down before me”). That was all driven away in the presence of Christ by His love. “Perfect love casts out fear ...” (I John ). “Love does not envy .... is not provoked ..... bears all things” (I Cor. 13:4,5,7).
“Rise, take up your bed and walk.” (John 5:8)
One can only imagine what raced through that man’s mind ... indeed, his entire being ... as Jesus’ words energized him and made him whole! He surely tasted the fruit of resurrection ( the word is anastasis – to stand up) as he stood up, took up his bed and walked. His body was precious to the Lord.
As we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ’s body, may we also be grateful that we, too, filled with His love, can stand up and “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
Orthodoxy in America
