ISB ~ John 9 v7

Go, wash:Recalls the miracle of Elisha in 2 Kings 5:10-14.

• Elisha commanded Naaman the Syrian to “go and wash” in the Jordan River to be restored to health.

the pool of Siloam:A rock-hewn reservoir in the southern district of ancient Jerusalem. The pool was built by King Hezekiah to serve as a water supply for the city (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chron 32:30). The editorial comment that Siloam means Sent suggests that the pool is a symbol of Jesus, the source of living water (4:10) and the One sent by his Father (9:4; 12:44). Its contents are symbolic of the Spirit, who is the living water poured out by Christ (7:38-39) and the One who is sent by the Father and the Son (14:26; 15:26).

• The miracle anticipates the administration of Baptism, where catechumens are washed (9:7) in water, anointed (9:6) with oil, and enlightened with grace and truth (9:5; Eph 1:18; Heb 6:4; CCC 1216).