Jesus saw their faith

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” – he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” (Mk 2:1-12)

Healings and miracles were part of Jesus' mission on earth. However, not everyone who met Jesus was healed. It is not enough to come to Jesus; you also need strong desires, as well as invention, toil and action.

In Capernaum, friends of the paralytic used this invention, fantasy and faith. They made a breach in the light (made of rushes and clay) roof and through it they let the sick man down into the room where Jesus was teaching.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." So, Jesus started with spiritual healing. Paralysis is not only a physical disease, but also has mental and spiritual connotations. Paralysis can be fear, anxiety, suppression of needs and desires, passivity, lack of commitment, withdrawal from life, low self-esteem, lack of relationships, a sense of emptiness and helplessness, inability to love ... Moreover, in the biblical mentality, illness is most often the result of sin. Spiritual and internal healing, forgiveness of sins is the basis of any other healing; it is a release from the deepest paralysis.

Jesus heals the paralytic gradually. First spiritually, then bodily. However, he orders him to wear his mat. A mat is a sign of illness, paralysis, embarrassment, uncertainty, a cross. By healing internally, Jesus does not completely free him from disease, bondage, and the toil of existence, but he makes them no longer able to captivate and disturb the depths of life. The "mat" is a symbol of God's love for us. Because we have amnesia, a short memory. We forget about God; we forget that we cannot save ourselves. When St. Paul asked for deliverance from suffering, received an assurance of the grace that would allow him to take it, to face it: “Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12: 7-9).

Jesus came to show us that only love can overcome suffering, not anesthetics or miraculous healings. Love gives meaning to everything and allows us to endure the toughest hardships. The tragedy of man is not that he suffers, but that the suffering is wasted, unnecessary and rejected.

Is my spiritual life accompanied by great desires, invention, fantasy? What is especially paralyzing me today? What is my specific sign of belonging to God? Do I see the meaning and value of suffering combined with love?

Until Tomorrow

fr. george