Four men carried a paralytic
(Audience: Deacon Candidates)
Sickness comes from sin. Sickness is not healed until sin is forgiven. The man is healed, therefore forgiven. We understand this, of course. The Scribes understood too, which is why they were astounded and glorified God when Christ, the Word, healed the paralytic.
The Word of God, united with faith, is a potent remedy. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?”
You are preparing to be sent. Even this year, when you are installed as Lectors, you will be sent to proclaim the word. To proclaim the literary word of God, yes. And to proclaim Christ with your lips and your life. By how and with whom and for whom you invest your time and your talent.
Four men carried a paralytic. “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. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”
A call to the Diaconate is a call to bring others to Christ. The Church exists to evangelize, so we are all called to bring others to Christ, and the Deacon more so. I was both challenged and encouraged by today’s gospel.
First, I was encouraged. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’” And how did he see their faith? Through their work of mercy. It is astounding, isn’t it? Our faith can be instrumental in another’s healing, forgiveness, and salvation. What greater calling could we have?
And challenged, also. The crowd pressed around, and it was difficult to accomplish their mission. There was standing room only, overflowing through the door. Sometimes, in our desire to help, we encounter obstacles. The door seems shut. Perhaps, even impossibly shut.
What do we do when we encounter an obstacle? Do we give up? I gave up recently, and was challenged even today to un-give-up. <Raymond>
Do. Not. Give. Up. Perhaps you do have to withdraw for a while from a door that is shut, but if the calling is clear – tear a hole in the roof, if need be.
Finally… Four men. Four men carried him. Have you ever tried to move someone who is bed-ridden for years? Do you need four men? Not usually, and even more rarely in the 1st century. I do not think he was wealthy… I doubt he was some sort of Jabba the Hut. After all, he was told to pick up his mat and go home – so it isn’t like he was on a litter or a cart.
I wonder if, perhaps, there were four men because they wished to show him dignity. Not throwing him over a shoulder or toting him between two of them, but carrying him as if a king upon a litter. Certainly, in our efforts to serve, we are challenged to respect the dignity of those we serve.
And, we are both challenged and encouraged to work together in the vineyard of the Lord. This is a greater witness than any individual heroics. I’m sure they had work and families, but they made the decision to be available to work together for the good of another.
Today, we honor St Anthony the Great, who had something to say about this: “When the demons see Christians, specially the monks, working joyfully and growing in the spirit, first they fight them with temptation, and by placing obstacles to hinder their growth, trying to inject evil thoughts in their minds; but there is no reason for fear from their temptations because their offenses fail instantly by prayer and fasting, specially if you have had armed yourself with faith and the sign of the cross.”
You are preparing to be sent. In some ways, you are already sent.
Be faithful. Be committed. Be respectful. Be collaborative. Be available.
Be armed with the sign of the Cross, and they will be astonished, glorifying God when they see Christ in and through you.
