I enjoy this gospel story of the paralyzed man lowered by friends through a roof.  The man’s friends must have held him in great regard to do this service for him.  And yes, you can also find this story in Matthew and Mark.  I’m sure others have posted this reminder I am sharing with you that we can celebrate in our time of adoration, especially during Advent.

I love how Jesus sees the man and says, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Apparently, this upsets some who hear him, and they get into an argument that Jesus is blaspheming and only God can forgive sins… everyone is ignoring the man lowered through the roof, but Jesus, who I think is watching the man.

We are given no reason for the paralysis, but today, we are aware psychotic issues can do things like this.  Jesus, our therapist, watches; maybe the man cries, breathes deeply, relaxes, and makes eye contact with Jesus, seeing God’s forgiveness and love for him.  Is the man forgiven and healed of his guilt? Condition?  He meets Jesus’ gaze and smiles.  At this point, Jesus interrupts the argument, flying around the room, claims his authority, and says, “Get up…and go home.”  And everyone is amazed.

Did it happen like this?  Jesus forgave the man who had punished himself with paralysis for whatever he had done.  Today, counselors handle guilt trips all the time; children run to their moms for a hug.  And the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift we have access to all the time.

Today, let us realize our baptism, our celebration of the Eucharist; our faith can do this.  Do we use it? Do we encourage its use to others? This Advent, let’s incorporate this attitude into our interactions with others; do what Jesus taught us: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Let us pray:

“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.  Say only the word, and my soul shall be healed.”