Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time B

BEADS OF JOY 2-19-12
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today is the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time B
Today’s Gospel is: Mark 2:1-12 (The Healing of a Paralytic)

“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!.”
1 – Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s –Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: My Friends; A most fantastic exciting miracle has taken place in Capernaum. Four very faithful friends were determined to get their other friend who was a paralytic before Jesus so he can be healed. Today we are reading and studying Mark 2:1-12 (The Healing of a Paralytic). I can only imagine the look on the face of those in the house, when they saw the roof section broken through as these four were lowering down their friend. The faith and determination of these four friends must have been breath taking.

Jesus was without a doubt happy with all their efforts. In verse 2:5, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." This mans healing was instantaneous. Do you realize how exciting it must have been for him? Now let's take this even further outside the box, how ever did those present in the house respond? I'm sure their are those who sincerely believed in Jesus; but consider this, what about those on the fence, or those who wanted to believe and those who were curious and didn't believe. That was all a bit long winded I agree, but you see how that was indeed an exciting moment for everyone no doubt. Would we believe even stronger if we seen it happen before our eyes? Or would we still doubt our own sight?

There are a few things we can understand in this miracle. For starters the forgiveness of sins healed the paralytic. Another incredible part of this miracle was that the bondage of the pain (the sin) was healed immediately. Jesus simply heals with the slightest utter of His will for us. And I noticed that in verse 10 leading into verse 11, Jesus was possibly speaking directly to the scribes who didn't believe in Him. His tone, I realize there is no "tone" in the written word, but verse 10 just seemed a bit misplaced, like all of a sudden a point needed to be made. I hope you can all follow that.

The end of verse 12 was a spectacular way to end the gospel reading, "They were all astounded and glorified God, saying "We have never seen anything like this." So many must have believed; after seeing that miracle, happen right in front of them. Praise Jesus for loving us so much, not only to die for me and you so that we may live eternally with Him; but for loving us so much that while He was here He healed so many.

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

PS.. Lent begins Wednesday February 22, 2012 (Ash Wednesday)