Monday of the Second Week of Advent
The focus of today’s Gospel is often on the behavior of the Pharisees and the controversy they present to Jesus regarding the forgiveness of sins. While this focus holds key lessons for us, I’d like to look at the faith of the paralytic, particularly the actions of the paralytic in verse 25: “He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.” What an amazing response by this man! The word “immediately” stands out to me in that verse. The paralytic did not respond to Jesus with questions such as: “are you sure?”, “right now?”, “what if my legs don’t work?”. Rather, this man of faith “immediately” stood up. He did not hesitate, he was not skeptical. How often can we say we “immediately” do what Christ asks of us? While there is value in the process of discernment, when we know that God is asking a specific task of us, do we hesitate or delay, ignore or forget?
But first, in order for the paralytic to respond “immediately” it means he was listening and paying attention to Jesus. That is the first step; one that in our busy lives, we too often neglect. We must listen to Jesus in order to know what we must respond to. During the season of Advent it can be difficult to remain focused on Jesus, to take the time in prayer to listen to Him. Amidst the family preparations and gift-buying, take time to listen, and then respond as the paralytic did.
Not only was his response immediate, but then we are told that he “went home, glorifying God.” He listens, responds, and gives glory to God. What a beautiful example of a lived faith. Imagine if we were all like the paralytic: focused on Jesus, doing His will, and returning the glory of God to God. As we embrace this second week of Advent, preparing our hearts for His birth, remember to listen, respond, and glorify God.
Mary Dowsett