Jesus encounters the paralyzed man at the pool – and it is an opportunity for his compassion, curiosity, and commands. The hope and healing on offer in Jesus becomes a clear sign of his intimate relationship with the Father: God’s compassion, mercy, and saving love in Jesus never take a day off. Jesus offers healing life to whoever believes. May we be persistent and patient both in mercy and hope as we share Jesus’ compassion with the last, least, lonely, and lost among us.