December 5 - Jason Ader '03

In today’s Gospel, we hear a powerful story of healing. As Jesus was teaching in the presence of the Pharisees, a group of men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. However, as we learn in the Gospel, these men were unable to find a way into the building. Undeterred, they went to the roof and lowered the man down into the building. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the men, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” To the amazement of all present, Jesus also healed the paralyzed man and forgave his sins. 

When we read and hear this story, we all understand that the paralyzed man was suffering from a medical condition- he was physically paralyzed, and thus unable to walk. However, when I reflect upon this story, I think we can expand our understanding of the term “paralyzed.” In today’s society, we can become paralyzed in a number of ways, and by a number of things: anxiety, unhealthy relationships, midterms, hunger and poverty, drugs and alcohol, a lack of time, fear, and the list goes on. All of these can cause some form of mental, physical, or emotional paralysis. However, just as in today’s Gospel, Jesus can heal us; he can heal the paralyzed as long as we are willing to turn to him for help.

Additionally, during this Advent time, we should also think about how we can be like the men in this story, those who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. How can we support those around us who may be paralyzed by some aspect of their life? How can we be brothers to our classmates? How can we help them experience the healing love of Jesus?

So, whether we ourselves are suffering, or whether we are helping those who are paralyzed, we can all experience the grace of Jesus this Advent season.