Mark 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven."
It seems the world today can sometimes be filled with sorrow and despair, without much hope. But we know that hope has come to us in Jesus Christ. But 2000 years ago the Israelites had some of the same struggles many in our world have. Government strife, poverty, illness and disease, and a lack of resources were all burdens to the average person. So when they heard of Jesus coming to Capernaum, they flocked to him in droves. Why? Because he was the answer to their hope. Our prayer is a sign of our hope today. We lift each other up in prayer. In today's gospel reading, four men lifted the paralytic up to Jesus for healing. They had hope in Christ, and Jesus saw that hope. He blessed them for their faithfulness and belief. We are all called to lift one another up in prayer in all times, in sorrow and distress and in happiness and joy. This reading is also a simple reminder to us to bring the elderly or sick to church if possible. Like the 4 men who took the paralytic to Jesus, we should use this as an example, overcoming all obstacles and leaving our comfort zones, to do the same.
