In today’s First Reading the Letter to the Hebrews teaches us something not evident in moments of difficulty and trial: faith leads to rest and relief. Continuing yesterday‘s discussion of why the Israelites were condemned to wander in the desert for forty years after squandering an opportunity to enter the Promised Land, the Letter explains that it was their lack of faith that doomed the first generation of unbelieving Israelites. Many people draw solace from their faith, but others see faith as only making their life harder and riskier.
The paralytic in today’s Gospel had friends who thought outside the box due to their faith. They saw an opportunity for their friend’s healing in Our Lord, and they didn’t let conventional means get in their way. The paralytic had to have faith in his friends to be lowered from the roof, and Our Lord acknowledged his faith. Through his faith he received relief from his condition. We may not always see miracles, but our faith can make our life take unexpected directions and grant us the solace and relief we need when facing life’s challenges.
Ask Our Lord today to help you believe “out of the box” and see where life takes you.
Readings: Hebrews 4:1–5, 11; Psalm 78:3, 4bc, 6c–8; Mark 2:1–12. See also 2nd Week of Advent, Monday and 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday.
