Readings
I - Is. 35: 1-10
II - Lk. 5: 17-26
JESUS LIBERATES
The Gospel passage of the day is about the healing of the paralytic. To the rebellious and prejudiced Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, who criticised Jesus for saying that his sins were forgiven, Jesus asked, “Which is easier, to say, ‘your sins are forgiven or stand up and walk”. Such commands are possible only for God. The fruits of such command in sickness and sorrow are forgiveness, healing, liberation and abounding peace on account of the same. The sins of the paralytic were forgiven, he was healed - stood up and walked and thereafter went glorifying God.
In today’s Gospel we read, “…the power of the Lord was with him to heal”. Consider this season of advent, as an opportunity to approach the Lord with all infirmities and weakness but with the faith that the Lord can liberate from all bondage: sufferings, sickness, crisis, addictions, inabilities and from all that discourage and weigh us down. He is our compassionate and merciful healer. He would definitely heal us, set us free and fill us with peace. Let us also pray for our suffering brethren whom who know needs the healing power of Jesus. Like those four men, intercede for them to the Lord for his mercy and healing towards them. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, heal me and set me free from …….. (mention from what you want to be freed of).
