“Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof... (Mk 2:4)

“Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was.” (Mk 2:4) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 2:1-12; Heb 4:1-5, 11

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse invites our special attention to the faith of the people who brought the paralyzed man before Jesus. One day Jesus was preaching in a house and many people were gathered there to listen to him. Because of the large number of people many were standing even outside. At this time some people brought a paralyzed man to Jesus to pray over him, but “because of the crowd, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was.” (Mk 2:4)

Many a time similar passages of the bible made me think twice about my role in the mission of the church; in the ministry of evangelization. The people in the house were listening to the word of God while the poor paralyzed man was helpless to find a way to Jesus. They were all close to Jesus, listening to him for hours, but the poor man who tried his best to reach him (with the help of his friends) in faith received healing and salvation. It reminds me also of the simple faith of the woman who was suffering from severe bleeding for twelve years (Mt 9:20-22)

Today I want to focus first on the faith of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. They knew of Jesus and of his divine power; and therefore, they wanted to take him to Jesus. When they were faced with challenges they did not go back, rather found another way to reach Jesus. What did really prompt them to take that risk of making a hole in the roof and bring him to Jesus? It is nothing but their faith in Jesus. Why do we often feel bored and exhausted in our prayers and ministries? It is because of our lack of faith. But these people should make us think of our faith in Jesus.

Secondly, I want to reflect on the people who blocked the way of the paralyzed man to Jesus, the savior. They were listening to Jesus and were so close to him, but failed to listen to and help the needy; the paralyzed man. What a contradiction it is! But sometimes it happens in our lives too; knowingly or unknowingly. The more we are close to Jesus, the more we should be open to others.

  

My listening to the word of God or participating in the ministries should not by all means block others knowing, loving, and serving Jesus, rather help them. That is what we hear in today’s second reading, “Let us then do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.” (Heb 4:11) 

   

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, help us to be open to the needs of others. Our openness to your love and forgiveness should necessarily make us open our hearts toward others. We pray today in a special way for all those who are engaging themselves in the evangelization ministry. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Friday!