Readings: Hebrews 4:1-5,11, Ps. 78:3-4,6-8. Mark 2:1-12
“Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk?’” (Mark 2:8-9)
- There is a crisis of faith among Christians today. We claim to believe in God, yet we live as if God does not exist. We go to Church to pray, clap, kneel, speak in tongues, cry, raise our hands, and worship. But when we step out of the Church, we start questioning the power of God like the scribes who did not believe.
- Faith is always visible. St. James would say, “By my works, I will show you my faith.” Faith without corresponding works is dead. In today’s Gospel passage, four men brought a paralytic to Jesus through the roof of the house where Jesus taught. Mark tells us that Jesus SAW THEIR FAITH. (Mk 2:5)
- Jesus also saw the faithlessness of the scribes and Pharisees, who were questioning in their hearts. They were not bold enough to speak out, but Jesus could hear their thoughts. We may participate actively in the church, sing, and dance, but God hears our inner thoughts.
- The failure of the scribes and Pharisees to see that God was in their midst despite their familiarity with the scriptures goes to prove the point of today’s first reading: “For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.” (Hebrews 4:2).
- If we blame the scribes and Pharisees, at the time of Jesus, for their blindness, what can we say about our generation? You may be a scripture scholar, but if you don’t believe that all things are possible with God, you do not know God. You may know the Bible verse by verse from Genesis to Revelation, but you are no different from these scribes and Pharisees if you doubt God.
- Unlike the Leper who cried: “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean”, the paralytic said nothing. All he did was to look at Jesus. This reminds me of the Widow at Nain. Luke tells us: “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” (Luke 7:13). Looking at God in the Holy Eucharist is also a type of prayer. Sometimes, words are not enough. Sometimes, words are even unnecessary.
- What did Jesus see when he gazed at the paralytic? Jesus saw that his physical paralysis was child’s play compared to his spiritual paralysis. Jesus said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5). It is very common today to hear people say: “Take care of your mental health.” How often do we tell ourselves to take care of our moral health?
- Why did Jesus absolve his sins before healing his paralysis? First, Jesus wants to teach us that spiritual healing (reconciliation with God) is more important than physical healing. Second, he wants to show us that forgiveness of sin paves the way for our overall well-being. Third, he wants to let his audience know that He is God.
- We must acknowledge the men who brought the paralytic to Jesus. They could have given him money and walked away, but they gave him what money could not buy. There is nothing wrong with giving out money to the less privileged. The book of James says: “If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15-16). However, apart from money and food, help them come to Jesus.
- Today, we remember St. Anthony the Abbot. Born into wealth, he inherited a substantial estate early in life. However, inspired by Jesus’ call to sell all possessions and help the poor, he gave everything away, dedicated his life to God and lived a simple life. Committed to a life of fasting, prayer and manual labour, Anthony pioneered monasticism. His profound asceticism attracted many followers who listened to this teaching and imitated his example. He died at the age of 105.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, replace our hardened hearts, teach us to believe in you again. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Antony, Abbot. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Hebrews 4:1-5,11, Ps. 78:3-4,6-8. Mark 2:1-12).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu