Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
One day Jesus was teaching. Even Pharisees and teachers were listening to him; there was no hostility present.
Some men brought a man with paralysis. They thought nothing of tearing apart the roof to bring him to Jesus. No one saw anything wrong with this. Jesus saw their faith.
Jesus forgive the man’s sins.
Wait. Is this not blasphemy, since only God can forgive sins? The answer is no and yes. It is not blasphemy, and only God can forgive sins. On the other hand, the gospel-writer would have us conclude that Jesus is God, made flesh among us. The man’s sins were forgiven, so now he could pick up his mat and walk home, healed.
Arid land brings forth flowers, weak knees become strong, frightened people live without fear, the lame leap like stags, sorrow and mourning will flee when the Lord Jesus comes to his people. This is the message of Advent, the mystery of the coming of the Lord.
The negatives in life are like the underside of a piece of needlepoint: they are the knots and twists under the cloth that hold together the beautiful picture on the topside of the needlepoint. The broken tile and the question about blasphemy were the underside of the forgiveness and healing of the one with paralysis.
What are the undersides of the beauty in your life? What are the challenges you have faced and are facing? What healing do you need? How does the Lord see your faith and grant you healing? May this Advent season bring you healing and joy.