Jesus, when He saw the community’s faith, healed the paralytic; first of his sins, then of his paralysis.
Mark 2:1-12
Today’s gospel is a beautiful example of community support. A paralytic’s friends carried him to Jesus since he could not do it on his own. Even though our faith journey may seem very personal, we cannot live without the support and participation of a community of faith. (ref. CCC 1253).
Jesus, when He saw the community’s faith, healed the paralytic; first of his sins, then of his paralysis. While the healing came from Jesus, it began with the community’s initiative and involvement.
The paralytic’s healing restored him to his community, but not as a silent figure on the sidelines anymore, rather as a contributing member, no longer isolated or dependent. Jesus made him to walk free and gave him the capacity to be involved.
The entire story hinges on faith, the faith of the paralytic’s friends. Faith is not passive. It requires effort, courage, and trust. The friends’ actions show that faith often involves obstacles that must be overcome with persistence. Faith also opens the door for God to work in us.