Homily: Thirteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time
Thirteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 9:1-8) “Shame Paralyzes”
When I hear the story of paralytic, I can’t help but be appalled by the attitude of the scribes who watch Jesus’ interaction with the man. How can they be so heartless? Why would they not want to cure the man of his illness? And why didn’t Jesus cure the man of his physical malady right from the start?
But maybe I misunderstood the situation as much as the scribes. Maybe Jesus knew something that I didn’t know. Could it be that the paralytic was a notorious sinner? Maybe the number one concern he had was not the fact that he was unable to walk, but the biggest thing on his mind was the sins of his past life.
Jesus saw the crippling guilt and shame the man had that he needed to let go of. Perhaps this was a bigger malady than anything else. When he was able to lay that burden down, he was spiritually restored.
Often when I go to visit someone who is deathly ill, I find that they have accepted the fact that they are not going to be restored physically. Many will say that God has blessed them in many ways and that they can’t expect to live forever. The number one thing on their mind is the people they have hurt and the times they have committed sins.
When such people can celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation this is a great relief for them. Also, there is often a sense of great joy. The physical pain becomes secondary. The fear of death fades. There is a sense of acceptance.
We should notice that the friends of the paralytic did not ask Jesus to restore him to health. Could it be that they wanted their friend simply to hear Jesus’ consoling message of forgiveness? We may not be able to restore people to health, but we can share the message of reconciliation that Jesus proclaimed to the world.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever told another person that Jesus forgives them? When and who?
- Is physical healing more important the spiritual healing? What would I desire more?
Dear Parishioners,
One of the ministries of Sacred Heart parish is that of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. St. Vincent DePaul members visit those in the parish who have some material need. They go out two by two to minister to those in distress.
This time of year, there are those who are having their water turned off or they are having other utilities suspended. Companies can do this in the middle of the summer when the weather is milder, so the need goes up in the summer.
I would encourage people to support the SVDP with donations and by considering becoming a member. Donations can be made by putting a white envelope in the collection marked SVDP. You can join the SVDP by calling our office or the number in the bulletin. This is a chance to serve those in great need.
My Our Lady of Peace heal the wounds of those who are victimized by violence.
Fr. Mark