Troubled Is a Good Sign
by Matt Laney
When Jesus saw a man with an infirmity lying beside the pool of Beth-zatha, and knew that he had been there a long time, Jesus said, “Do you want to be made well?” The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is troubled.” – John 5:6-8 (adapted)
As in every age, we live in challenging and troubling times. Here are just a few things that trouble me in this moment:
I am troubled by the virulent and violent antisemitism in the middle East and around the world.
I am troubled by the long-standing oppression and recent genocidal actions against Palestinians.
I am troubled by the rise of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism.
I am troubled by the appalling lack of concerted, meaningful action on climate change.
I am troubled by my own complicity in the suffering of the world and the privilege to tune it out.
I am troubled by how much trouble we are in.
In Jesus’ time, when the waters of the pool of Beth-zatha were troubled, it was believed they had been stirred up by an angel and endowed with healing power. Thus, there is a glimmer of hope in being troubled today. When we are troubled, it means we too have been touched by divine compassion and empowered for healing.
Prayer
Holy Heart of the World, let me be troubled by everything that troubles you.
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