FRIENDS IN DEED

FRIENDS IN DEED

 

They came bringing to Him a paralytic carried by four men. – Mark 2:3

 

My eight-year-old cell phone went kaput. I was on a shoestring budget then and buying a new cell phone, even the cheapest one, was a luxury. I needed a replacement soonest but my circumstances prevented me from getting one. I informed some friends and sisters in community that they could get in touch with me either through landline or email only.

After a month, I received a call from Dimples, one of my friends from a previous employment. “Can you drop by the house tomorrow? Cindy, Alma and I decided to give you an early Christmas and birthday gift… a new cell phone. It’s ready for pick-up.”

In today’s Gospel, four men brought a paralytic to Jesus so he could be healed. They were determined to get close to Jesus that they even made an opening in the roof above Him to lower the mat carrying their paralyzed friend.

Human need and love moved these four men to action. It was the same for my friends. Let it also move us to do the same. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:

Do you know of someone who is in need? Be the answer to their prayers.

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to be sensitive to the needs of others. Help me to go the extra mile for my neighbor without counting the cost.

 

WHY IS JESUS ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY?

Jesus is accused of blasphemy by the scribes because they live in a world where there are certain no-go areas. One of these is the forgiveness of sins. This is the domain of God alone and to enter it is to blaspheme or dishonour the person of God. We know that Jesus was sent by the Father to break down some of the artificial barriers that religion had placed between God and His people. Jesus wants us all to approach God with freedom and to dwell in His presence daily. The Jews had a very strict understanding of who and when was the right time to approach God and such must be done with great care and solemnity.

The freedom of the sons and daughters of God who have placed their faith in Jesus tells a totally different story. We speak of being in dialogue with God daily and seek every opportunity we can find to be close to Him. We understand that Jesus has broken down the barriers set up by sin and human beings and thus we are offered a new opportunity to approach our Father in heaven.

However, we must be careful that we do not take the blessings of the New Covenant too lightly and thus dishonor God. The paralytic’s friends seek to bring him into the physical presence of Jesus because they believe wholeheartedly that this will make all the difference for his healing. Have you ever heard of anyone removing the roof of the house to gain entry to meet someone? Perhaps this is an indication of both the commitment and ingenuity we should be exercising to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus heals the man after He has forgiven his sins. Which is the greater gift? The latter of course but this does not mean that we should forget about the first gift. Let us never be afraid to bring all of our needs, even those that may have little direct influence upon our faith, to the Lord and ask Him to transform them through His power. It is only when we give God the opportunity to move in our lives that He is able to really do His work within us.Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Have I truly opened up every area of my life to God or do I still maintain control in some areas?

 

Lord Jesus, You have made it possible for us all to enter into the presence and throne of God. Help us to take up this opportunity as often as possible.

 

St. Bonitus, pray for us.