A reading from the gospel according to Mark 2:1-12:
1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home.
2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,
not even around the door, and he preached the word to them.
3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”
8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”
11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”
12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Reflection: Friends who help
In the gospel reading above, four men brought a paralytic man to Jesus for healing. These four men were either relatives or friends of the paralytic man but it doesn’t matter. What is significant is that they believed so much in the power of Jesus to heal so they did not allow anything to hinder them from accomplishing their mission. This may indicate also how much they love the paralytic man that they wanted him to be cured at all cost.
Jesus appreciates the faith of the four men and not really the faith of the paralytic man. It was their faith that Jesus saw. And what a tremendous power faith can have. It has moved the four friends or relatives to do everything, even to the extent of destroying a roof, in order to bring the man to Jesus.
Yet, Jesus recognized the need for forgiveness before healing can take place. In the case of the paralytic man, we can assume that he was full of guilt which may have caused the paralysis or at least aggravated the disease. Faith and forgiveness can cure even cancer.
It is important to note that when we give help, it is not just the one we help who gets the benefit. The help we give to others comes back to us in so many ways. It may not be noticeable in the here and now but it will happen, perhaps even after many years or even in the afterlife. This is not to say that when we give help, we always expect something in return especially by the one we helped. We just have to remember that there is joy in helping and God who sees everything that we do will appreciate it and He will be glorified.
In the same manner, when we hurt others, expect the same thing to happen to us. This is called judgment and it is very much same as the law of karma in which nobody can get away with it. It is therefore necessary to adhere to the golden rule: Do unto others what we would like others do unto us (Matthew 7:12). If we all do this, peace will descend on earth.
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Some people brought a paralytic man to be healed but the first thing Jesus did was to forgive the man’s sins. Jesus knew everything about the man because He is God. He knew that forgiveness alone is powerful and He knew very well that sin is the root cause of many diseases. He knew that forgiveness and acceptance can heal paralysis. He knew what the paralytic man needs to be healed.
Psychosomatic is the description experts have used to identify physical diseases caused or aggravated by mental and emotional condition such as un-forgiveness, lack of acceptance and other emotional disorders. No amount of physicians’ attention or medicine intake will cure such a “dis-ease”. But as soon as the patient learns of his or her own worth as a human being brought about by love, forgiveness and acceptance, true healing occurs. Hence, all throughout the gospels, Jesus emphasized the need to love others as we love ourselves and to always forgive one another.
In the gospel passage, we notice how the Scribes put malice on the part of Jesus. Even today, there are people who are likely to criticize and who would rather prefer to see the dark side of things. Such a negative attitude is a major hindrance to healing. We must be careful not to be distracted by these people. It is also possible that we are this kind of people, the modern Scribes so to speak. Like Jesus, we must be courageous but humble enough to go on doing good despite the negativities around us. It is also possible that we are this kind of people, the modern Scribes so to speak. Like Jesus, we must be courageous but humble enough to go on doing good despite the negativities around us.
Let the gospel message be written in our hearts and minds. If we want healing, we need to forgive, not only those who sinned against us but more importantly, ourselves. Let us allow Jesus to cleanse us from guilt, shame and other negativities. Then, allow the river of love and peace to flood our innermost being.
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In this Gospel reading, we are inspired and challenged to reflect on the power of faith, the importance of community, and the authority of Jesus to transform lives. This passage recounts the healing of a paralyzed man, brought to Jesus by four friends who refused to let obstacles stand in their way.
The scene opens with a crowd so large that no one can enter the house where Jesus is teaching. The paralyzed man’s friends could have easily given up, but their determination and faith propelled them to take extraordinary measures. They carried their friend onto the roof, tore through it, and lowered him down before Jesus. This act of boldness and faith teaches us an important lesson: true faith perseveres despite challenges.
How often do we allow obstacles to stop us from seeking Jesus? Whether it’s fear, doubt, or the opinions of others, barriers can hold us back. But the friends in this story remind us that when we approach Jesus with unwavering faith, miracles can happen. Their actions demonstrate that faith is not passive; it is active and persistent.
Moreover, this story highlights the power of community. The paralyzed man could not have reached Jesus on his own. It was the faith and love of his friends that made the miracle possible. In life, we all face moments of weakness when we need others to carry us — physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Similarly, we are called to carry others, lifting them up to Jesus in prayer, support, and encouragement.
Jesus’ response to this act of faith is remarkable. He begins by addressing the man’s greatest need: forgiveness of sins. “Son, your sins are forgiven,” Jesus declares. This statement might have surprised the crowd, who expected physical healing. But Jesus, in His divine wisdom, prioritized the man’s spiritual healing. He knew that the restoration of the soul is even more critical than the healing of the body.
This moment also reveals Jesus’ authority as the Son of God. When the religious leaders questioned His ability to forgive sins, Jesus performed a visible miracle, healing the man’s paralysis to prove His divine authority. The man rose, took up his mat, and walked out, leaving the crowd in awe.
This passage challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we truly believe that Jesus has the power to forgive and restore? Are we willing to bring ourselves and others to Him, no matter the cost?
Let this story inspire us to live out a faith that moves mountains. Let us be like the friends who refused to give up, who acted out of love and confidence in Jesus’ power. And let us remember that Jesus not only heals our bodies but restores our souls, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
In every challenge, may we approach Jesus with bold faith, trusting that He sees our needs, honors our persistence, and works miracles in His perfect time.
See also related reflection here.
