Read 1 Sam. 8:4-7,10-22, Ps. 89:16-19, Mark 2:1-12
“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.’” (Mark 2:4-5)
The victory of the Philistines over the Israelite army was a big blow to the nation. The same Ark of God with which Joshua marched around the city of Jericho and all the walls fell like a pack of cards was brought into the battleground, yet the enemies prevailed even going as far as capturing the Ark itself. This is what happens when we do not live holy lives and refuse to heed the warnings of God to repentance.
In reaction to this, the elders of the people came to Samuel requesting for a King to reign over them who would lead them to battle like other nations. Beneath their prayer for a king was a rejection of God and a serious inferiority complex. God was not happy with this prayer but he granted it still.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus was pleased with the four men who brought their friend to him. The action of these men shows how we must care for our friends. Carry your friends to God in prayer; don’t be selfish with your prayer.
By opening the roof, they showed Jesus that they had full confidence in his power to heal the paralytic. Jesus saw their faith.
As soon as Jesus saw the paralytic, he said: “My son, your sins are forgiven. This shows that when we pray, the first thing we should do is examine our conscience and plead for the forgiveness of sins. Physical healing is always a consequence of spiritual healing; healing from within. Sin is a wound that must be treated first so as to allow physical healing to take place.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may my prayers be pleasing to you always. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 1 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: 1 Sam. 8:4-7,10-22, Ps. 89:16-19, Mark 2:1-12).