As we enter the sacred observance of Feria Sexta Quattuor Temporum—one of the Ember Days, traditionally marked by fasting, prayer, and penance—we are invited to reflect on today’s scriptural readings: Ezekiel 18:20-28 and John 5:1-15. These passages illuminate a central theme of the Ember Days: the call to conversion, the mercy of God, and the necessity of responding to His grace with a contrite heart.
The Call to Personal Responsibility and Conversion (Ezekiel 18:20-28)
The prophet Ezekiel speaks to a fundamental truth of divine justice: each soul is responsible for its own sin or righteousness. “The soul that sinneth, the same shall die” (Ezech. 18:20). The people of Israel had been murmuring that they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors, but God, through Ezekiel, rejects this fatalistic view. Instead, He declares that conversion is always possible:
“But if the wicked do penance for all his sins which he hath committed, and keep all My commandments, and do judgment and justice, living he shall live, and shall not die.” (Ezech. 18:21)
This passage aligns perfectly with the penitential character of the Ember Days, which call us to examine our hearts, repent, and reform our lives. St. John Chrysostom underscores this when he comments that true penance consists not merely in remorse for sin but in a complete change of heart:
“Not to sin is indeed the greatest good, but if we have sinned, not to remain in sin, but to depart from iniquity, is gain.” (Homily on Penance)
The mercy of God is made evident in this passage, but it is not a mercy that negates justice. The Lord insists that the sinner must turn away from his iniquity and actively do justice. This is a fitting meditation for the Ember Days, as these seasons of fasting and prayer are not meant to be merely external observances but opportunities for interior renewal.
Healing and the Need for Cooperation with Grace (John 5:1-15)
The Gospel presents us with the moving account of the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. This man, afflicted for thirty-eight years, lay by the miraculous waters but had no one to assist him in reaching them when they were stirred. Christ approaches him and asks, “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6). This question is profound—our Lord does not impose healing upon him but invites him to express his own desire for restoration.
St. Augustine, reflecting on this passage, draws attention to the symbolism of the five porches surrounding the pool, representing the Law given through Moses. The law was good, but it could not, by itself, heal man’s deeper wounds—only Christ, the true physician of souls, could accomplish this:
“The five porches signify the five Books of Moses. These could bring in the sick, but could not heal them; that was reserved for the grace of Christ.” (Tractate on John 17.2)
This episode is an allegory for the healing of the soul wounded by sin. The paralytic symbolizes fallen humanity, unable to rise without divine aid. Yet, our Lord does not heal him without a command: “Arise, take up thy bed, and walk” (John 5:8). Grace is given freely, but man must cooperate—he must rise from his sins and carry the burden of his past, now transformed by mercy.
The Connection to Ember Friday
Feria Sexta Quattuor Temporum invites us to reflect on our spiritual paralysis—the habits of sin or negligence that keep us from advancing in virtue. The fasting and penance of the Ember Days are not mere outward disciplines but acts of faith, by which we dispose ourselves to the healing grace of Christ. St. Leo the Great emphasizes this penitential renewal:
“By fasting, we suppress vice, lift up the mind, and obtain virtue and reward.” (Sermon 42 on Fasting)
Just as the paralytic needed Christ to command him to rise, we too need the divine assistance that comes through prayer, the sacraments, and the self-discipline cultivated during these Ember Days.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Both readings call us to repentance and renewal. God’s justice and mercy are perfectly united—He desires not the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and live (Ezech. 18:23). Likewise, Christ stands before each of us, as He did the paralytic, asking: “Wilt thou be made whole?”
This Ember Friday, let us take up the spiritual arms of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, seeking not only exterior discipline but an interior conversion of heart. Let us rise from the paralysis of sin, take up our cross, and walk in the path of righteousness, trusting in the merciful grace of Christ.
Domine, fac me sanum!
(Lord, make me whole!)