In the southeast part of the State of Washington is a town named "Walla Walla." (So good they named it twice - an old local joke). Like many towns in Washington they bear native American names such as Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, Puyallup (that's a tough one). Walla Walla is named after flowing water. In the area was a river which apparently gushed and flowed with great force which made a babble sound. So the local population named the area after the sound of those waters. At one point in my priesthood I served at a parish just south of Walla Walla across the State line. Try saying "walla walla" ten times quickly and after feeling a little ridiculous, you'll have something of the sound of quick flowing waters - more or less anyway. Hence, the name of what is now a University town and significant wine producing region of our neighbor State.
Water, water (walla, walla) everywhere is perhaps the theme of our readings today. How appropriate this is as we focus on the sacrament of baptism closer to the Easter season. The prophet Ezekiel 47: 1-9 relates the image of flowing water. In fact, I'd say we've sprung a leak big time! The temple of the Lord is inundated with flowing water up to his waist at one point which eventually becomes a mighty river and empties in to the sea. Fruit trees and "every kind of tree" grow along the banks of this river. As yesterday, a new creation emerges by the mighty hand of God. But this water in particular produces life that will continually grow. I hear allusions to baptism.
The Gospel of John 5:1- 16 finds Jesus at the pool of Bethesda where he is surrounded by the pity of humanity: ". . . a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled . . ." waiting to be healed in what they believed were miraculous waters. Do I hear Lourdes?
Jesus asks one most unfortunate man who had been ill for "thirty-eight years" a question that may seem obvious to us. In the case of Our Lord, however,it is an invitation to faith because of the one who is asking the question: "Do you want to be well?" And, as we can expect, Jesus says to the man who affirmed Jesus' question: "Rise, pick up your mat, and walk." Do you hear the resurrection theme? One who lies on the ground is given new life, a life he never before experienced. He is risen!
What about your baptism and what about mine? Since I was baptised at the ripe old age of one month all I have to prove that moment are pictures and the assurance of godparents, now with God, and those who remember. Knowing my family I have no question this happened. I believe on their testimony since I doubt they invented this just to make me feel better and I have a baptismal certificate to prove it.
For those who were cleansed in those life giving waters at an older age, they have the luxury of a personal memory. At any rate, no matter at what age we were plunged into or poured over the water of Bethesda and Jesus' question is the same for us - "Do you want to be well?" In that sacrament, the doorway to faith and the moment when we "rise and walk" in a new life as sons and daughters of God, we are made well again. God is not punitive. Sickness and disease are not the result of sin and Jesus made this clear on more than one occasion. Everyone gets sick and eventually dies of something - occasional tragedies aside. But, the flowing waters of baptism initiate God's seed of faith and the presence of the Spirit of God upon us. We do indeed rise and walk as new creatures in the Lord.
Yet, around us are those yet to be healed; waiting to be plunged in the waters of healing and new life. This is a special time for our Elect - those called and chosen to receive the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist. The Church is prepared for new birth and is pregnant with readiness knowing that our time is near. Like most women at that stage - they are ready indeed!
How well has that seed of faith grown in your soul, planted years ago in the rich and abundant water of baptism? Do I need someone to lower me into the water again? Do I need to hear Jesus speak to me again: "Do you want to be well?" The sacrament of Reconciliation is that moment of healing and mercy where I can be lowered again. No matter how long it has been since your last confession, now is the time to be made well again.
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