In today’s first reading, Ezekiel encounters an angel. As Catholics, we believe that God assigns an angel to each of us from the moment of our conception, a guardian angel. Sometimes when I think of my childhood, I think of my guardian angel being with me in the dark as I hid away from the chaos of my dysfunctional family. Today’s first reading reminds us of the protective spirits that God offers us that we would do well to be mindful of as we work our recovery.

Like many of us, today’s Gospel reading features another person who had been hurting for many years, a disabled man beside the pool at Bethesda. He was locked in his sickness, unable to find healing. Then, in a moment of clarity (maybe even after a nudge from his guardian angel), he heard Jesus ask, “Do you want to be well?” God’s voice broke through to him, the way it does for so many of us in recovery! Suddenly, we are ready to surrender, admit our powerlessness, and allow God to set us free.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm is a beautiful reminder that God and our guardian angel are always with us in trouble. We are given the wonderful promise that we are never left alone.

Reflection Questions

• What childhood coping strategies are no longer working for you? What are other healthy and holy ways of responding to your pain and suffering instead?
• As you look back on your life, in what situations can you see the beneficial intervention of the Holy Spirit or your guardian angel?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 5:1-16

Reflection by Chloe D.