There is clear evidence of the great goodness of Christ in that He
does not wait for entreaties from the sick but anticipates their request
with His own loving kindness. See how He runs to the one who is lying
down and how compassionate He is to one who was sick with no one to
comfort him.
But the inquiry as to whether he would like to be
relieved from his infirmity was not that of one asking out of ignorance
what was obvious, but of one stirring up an increased desire and diligent
entreaty. The question as to whether he wanted to obtain what he longed
for is huge. It has the kind of force and expression that conveys that
Jesus has the power to give and is now ready to do so, only waiting for
the request of the one who will receive this grace.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
