FRIDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot
Heb 4: 1-5, 11 Ps 78: 3-4, 6-8 Mk 2: 1-12
YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN
Today’s gospel passage serves as a reminder of the profound need for inner healing. It is not merely a physical ailment we seek to remedy, but a spiritual restoration that transcends the material. The Divine Physician, our Creator, desires to heal the core of our being, the very essence of our souls. In the Old Testament era, sacrifices were offered as a tangible expression of repentance. Yet the New Covenant ushered in a more profound and personal form of atonement, in the form of Jesus Christ, who has taken away the weight of our sins. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, we invite the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew our hearts.
The Gospel presents us with a stark choice: the narrow gate leading to eternal life or the wide gate leading to destruction. The path to salvation is demanding, requiring self-denial and perseverance. By choosing the narrow gate, we embrace a life of holiness and divine grace. The image of the paralytic, being lowered through the roof towards his Saviour symbolizes this journey through the narrow gate towards salvation.
God is greater than our problems, so we must not be too concerned about physical healing. Rather, He desires that we open ourselves for inner healing in order that our soul can reflect His light in all its glory. Ultimately, our true worth lies not in our physical appearance or worldly possessions but in the purity of our souls. God desires to transform us from within, to make us radiant with His divine light. As we surrender our hearts to Him, we experience a profound peace that surpasses all understanding. Let us heed the call of the gospel and embark on a journey of inner healing. By confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and striving for holiness, we can attain the eternal life that God has promised. May we choose the narrow gate, the path of righteousness, and experience the fullness of God’s love and grace.
Response: Never forget the deeds of God!
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