1st Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Friday 12th January 2024

When was the last time you asked someone to help you? When was the last time you offered help to someone? In today’s Gospel reading, four helpers brought a paralytic to Jesus to be healed. They were not deterred by the obstacle in front of them – the crowd. They went up the roof – “stripped” it, “made an opening” and “lowered” the paralytic into the room where Jesus was (v 4).

Take note of Jesus’ first words to the paralytic – “My child, your sins are forgiven” (v 5). If you were the paralytic, how would you feel about these tender and revelatory words of Jesus? Joyful that you are addressed as ‘’My child’’? Embarrassed that your sinful state is now exposed? Relieved that your sins are now forgiven? Enlightened that your condition is indeed curable? Or filled with appreciation because your friends brought you close to Christ Jesus to receive healing?

If we have a physical disability, we can ask ourselves, “Do my present physical disability disconnect me from others?” We can repent and confess our doubts, and let God do the rest. With faith, we can approach others for help. Jesus saw the “faith” of the paralytic’s helpers and spoke His word of forgiveness to the paralytic (v 5), and healed him.

We are called to live as a community of faith. In our own times of despair, let us learn to lean on the support of others. And when we are aware of others’ personal crises, let us avail ourselves to help them.

Lord, give us the faith to avail ourselves to help those in doubt of Your love.