Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according Saint Mark 2, 1-12

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.
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,
they opened up the roof above him.
After they had broken through,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,
“Child, your sins are forgiven.”
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?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?
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.”

Faith and creativity

1. Faith. The gospel shows the faith of the paralytic, but also the faith of the young men who take him to Jesus. In fact, this is what leads this man to be healed. Healing in life demands faith. Faith doesn’t solve the problem, but it gives you the capacity and the strength to solve it. Faith gives you the elements, but you must use them to find a solution. And don’t be afraid because there will always be someone who will help you reach Jesus. All you need is to have faith in yourself and in God, and remember that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

2. Creativity. These young men teach us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We must be creative and figure out a way for people who are sick, paralyzed in life, to reach Jesus. We have to help others to help themselves. We can’t remain still, looking at brothers and sisters who want to reach Jesus but can’t. Moreover, sometimes, instead of helping them get to Jesus, we put spokes in their wheels to make it difficult. Come on, let’s get in through the roof, let’s jump in. We’ve got to help that brother or sister to get to Jesus. Don’t allow clericalism and structuralism to drive people away, to paralyze them for life. We must seek a way to help them find Jesus; there are so many means nowadays.

3. Heal. Healing comes through an encounter with Jesus and feeling forgiven. The key is knowing you are loved by God and being aware that God is greater than you imagine. God does not judge you all the time. He forgives you and wants you to keep walking along in life. When your soul and your heart move in God, they do wonders. Do wonders and be creative. Feel forgiven because God always forgives you. Now, forgive yourself. 

And don’t forget that something good is on the way!

God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.