1st Week in Ordinary time
When Jesus saw their faith . . . (Mark 2:5)
This is such a familiar story about healing that we often miss another important lesson: the link between our generosity and God’s mercy. It’s a link that the poor fellow lying on the mat—as well as his four friends—learned in a dramatic fashion.
Imagine what it took for these men to haul their friend up onto that roof and lower him down to Jesus. They could have slipped and fallen. They could have upset the man’s stretcher and watched him end up splayed out on the floor. They could even have been arrested for property damage and breaking and entering! But it didn’t matter. They were willing to take the risks for the sake of their friend.
Seeing such an act of love, Jesus was filled with compassion. How could he not heal the man? How could he not assure the man that his sins had been forgiven?
This is just one of many stories that show how God responds when we go out of our way to seek help for our loved ones. Think of the Canaanite woman who wouldn’t rest until Jesus healed her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). Or think of the way Moses pleaded with God to spare the Israelites after they had made a molten calf (Exodus 32:7-14). Or think about Jesus telling his disciples that some situations need extra prayer and fasting (Mark 9:28-29). God may not always do exactly what we are asking for, but he does pour out his grace—just the right amount at just the right time and in just the right way.
Today begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Imagine what could happen if each of us were generous enough to devote just ten minutes each day to praying for reconciliation between the churches. Imagine how much grace God would pour out if we were to give up our lunchtime or our TV time or our Internet time and spend it interceding for our divided Church. Let’s imitate these four friends and band together to pray for the body of Christ. Let’s bring this wounded body before the Lord so that he can tell all of us: Your sins of division are forgiven. Rise up and walk together as one.
“Jesus, we bring our divisions and disagreements to you. Lord, heal us and unite us as your one, holy, catholic, apostolic Church!”
Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8
