Daily Catholic Reflection: January 15, 2021, Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11;

Psalm 78:3 and 4bc.6c-7.8 (R. 7b);

Mark 2: 1- 12 Full Readings

Saint Paul the Hermit

 Leading Others to Jesus

Brethren, what are friends for? Many of us will give many and different answers: perhaps for feeling their warmth, to help in financial problems, guidance and counselling, going out with them, texting and calling and many other others. Very few however would give an answer that friends are for leading us to Jesus. Today's Gospel really shows us that true friends are for leading us to Jesus, so that we can receive healing and blessings from him.

Though the crowd was much, and there was no way to pass through so that the four men who were carrying their crippled friend could reach Jesus, they stripped off the roof so that they may take him to Jesus. Having seen the faith of the four men and the faith of the crippled, he healed the crippled man and forgave his sins and went away a free man. Brethren, we are not only healed and saved by our faith alone but also by the faith of others, our friends, parents and those who keep on praying for us. The Gospel also teaches us to always help others reach Jesus either by our prayers or by acting in the way Jesus would have acted with them (acts of charity).

Brethren, the paralysis of this man is a symbol of a certain type of sin. It’s a sin that someone desires forgiveness for but is incapable of turning to our Lord by their own effort. For example, a serious addiction is something that can so dominate a person’s life that they cannot overcome this addiction by their own effort. They need the help of others to even be able to turn to our Lord for help. 

We each must see ourselves as the friends of this paralytic. Too often when we see someone who is trapped in a life of sin, we simply judge them and turn away from them. But one of the greatest acts of charity we can offer another is to help provide them with the means they need to overcome their sin. This can be done by our counsel, our unwavering compassion, a listening ear, and by any act of fidelity to that person during their time of need and despair.

The paralytic relied on four men to bring him close enough to Christ to obtain both physical and spiritual healing. These men were likely good friends of the paralytic. Friends draw us closer to Christ. According to St. Maximilian Kolbe, “God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of friends, we will find strength to attain our sublime ideal.” Scripture talks of friendship as well: “Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth” (Sirach 6:14-15). And how does one find friends like these? “Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; those who fear God will find them” (Sirach 6:16).

Brethren, let us be good friends who lead others to Jesus. We should not only lead our friends but all people to Jesus, this is our mission as Jesus taught us. Reflect today on which type of a friend you are. One with strings attached or the genuine one who leads others to God. Pray for the graces to become a good friend to all.

Let us Pray

Lord, teach me to pray. Send the Holy Spirit so that I may pray well. I want to be united to you as I read the Scriptures and reflect on your word. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful friendships I have and help me to be a good friend to others. Amen

Be blessed