By John Desing csc –
Readings: 1Sam 8:4-7, 10-22; Mk 2:1-12
‘Where there is a will, there’s a way’ is a commonly used proverb and relates to the readings of today. In both the readings, we see that what people desire for they receive regardless of the consequences. The higher the level of desire the greater the result will be. The Israelites desired to have a king which was against the will of Samuel and God.
They wanted to have a king like other nations did, forgetting that God is the king of Israelites, and no other worldly king could match him. Interestingly, God gave them a king, and they gradually suffered the consequences of their evil desire.
However, in the gospel reading we find the expression of good desire and intention of the four men bringing the paralysed man to Jesus through the roof amidst such unimaginable impediments.
As community of believers, we can influence or help those who are weak to experience Jesus’ love. At the same time, if we join the aimless crowd, we will either negatively influence others or get seduced by others for sinful things. Today, the word of God invites us to listen to our conscience and ask ourselves whether our actions, words, and thoughts inspire others to come closer to Jesus or move away from him.
We are called not to be carried away by the crowd or the glamour of this world. When we see someone is deaf, blind, or lame, our focus should not be on who is at fault, but our focus should be on how we can help that person. What Jesus requires of us is not to miraculously heal or restore others but to extend our helping hand generously, and God will do the rest.