"Do you want to be well?"
The sick man answered him,
"Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool
when the water is stirred up;
while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me."
Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."

What if we were asked the same question – “Do you want to be well?”

Some of us might respond with a question: “What do you mean? Well off financially?” Or, “Well, as in feeling well? No aches and pains?” But how many of us would challenge the questioner with, “Are you asking if I want to be spiritually well? Do I want a more perfect and deeper relationship with God?”

AI (artificial intelligence) defines spiritual wellness as a state of well-being that encompasses a person's beliefs, values, and purpose in life. It is finding meaning and connection to something greater than oneself, whether it be a higher power, nature, community, or personal values.

AI also defines the individual aspects of spiritual wellness as follows:

Sense of purpose and meaning: Having a clear understanding of one's life goals and aspirations.

Connection to something greater: Feeling connected to a higher power, nature, community, or other sources of transcendence.

Values and ethics: Adhering to a set of principles that guide one's actions and decisions.

Inner peace and harmony: Finding balance and contentment within oneself.

Gratitude and compassion: Showing appreciation for life's blessings and extending kindness to others.

Rituals and practices: Engaging in activities that nurture spiritual well-being, such as prayer, meditation, spending time in nature, or participating in religious services.

AI might be right. The spiritual wellness we seek is so important to our overall well-being and contributes to our improved mental health, stress management, and resilience. It is a personal and unique journey that is cultivated through our continued self-reflection, prayer and meaningful connections.

But like the man at the pool, we often have shallow reasons for not fully committing to improving our relationship with God. Instead, we fixate on obstacles to our wellness that often seem insurmountable.

Jesus had a simple directive to the man at the well, one that pushed him past his roadblock: "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
As we continue in the second half of our Lenten journey, let us reflect on those powerful words of Jesus. Perhaps in doing so, we will realize that there are no impediments to our spiritual wellness. No magical waters we need to step into. Jesus is simply telling us to, “Rise, take up your mat and walk.”

For with Christ walking at our side, nothing will prevent us from finding the spiritual “wellness” we all yearn for.