Mark 2: 1-12

Mark 2: 1 - 12

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1 And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11 "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." 12 And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Reflection

"We never saw anything like this!"

Many of us if not all would think that we know something about God. We can easily say something about Him and even at times makes predictions of his actions. We even make categories and equations and come up with solutions at its end. This includes our bribes, indulgences – “acts of charity” we might say. But can we bribe God? Can we use indulgences and other “forcing” ways to make God do what we want? Can we play God?

The gesture of Jesus’ healing of the paralytic man in our gospel today gives us an idea of his amazing answer to all our queries.

First, Jesus puts away their prejudices and makes everyone equal regardless of social status or caste. This kind of mentality is somehow cultural. In many countries today, many societies experience this kind of social prejudices. We have to keep in mind that we have to treat each one as important, having equal rights and dignities.

Second, Jesus answers to all our needs and prayers not because we have something. Rather, because Jesus has something, love, care, faith, compassion, etc. Likewise, we do not attend to the needs of others simply because they are weak or strong, or friendly or lovable or worthy. Even bad people can do that. But we do charities; strive to make even simple gestures of “help” because this is our call – to love and care for others. Jesus healed the paralytic and gave back his life.

Third, we are also at times the paralytic. Life at times seems too tough we thought it’s hard for us to stand up and move on. And we feel we are too helpless and even our closest friends can hardly lift us up. That is true but we should never give up “faithing” in Jesus who can give us back our life and even more. Because the truth is: We have not yet seen how much he can amaze us. 

Today, in our simply ways, let’s try to amaze others by our good works.