Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to 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.”
Carried by four people
1. At home. It’s essential to take time for yourself and your loved ones, enjoying the things you like. Life isn’t just about work or constant worry. Give yourself permission to spend time with those who matter and to find your own space where you truly feel at home. Personally, when I arrive home, I like being alone and walking barefoot—it helps me recharge and brings relief after being out and about. Discover what gives you that “at home” feeling, so you have a place to recover and feel restored.
2. Carried. It’s just as important to have people around you who lead you to Jesus—those who want the best for you and help you in your journey. Over time, I’ve come to see that real riches aren’t in your bank account, but in the friends who stand by you and show up for you. You might have plenty of money, but what good is it if your heart feels empty? When you have a generous heart, you attract true friends, and when those friends have your back, it’s proof of the goodness in your heart. If you have a moment today, reach out to a friend who’s always there for you. Nurture those relationships with people who uplift you and care about your well-being. Today, send a simple message to a friend and ask, “How are you?”
3. Get up. Don’t let your own fears or struggles keep you stuck in your own paralysis. Learn to move forward, even after you stumble. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone on your journey; others are walking along with you. Sometimes, falling helps you recognize who’s there to lift you up and who really wants to see you thrive. Today, keep setting goals and making plans for your life. In this 2026, take joy in being on the journey and make the most of each step.
Don’t forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
