Tuesday, December 9, 2003
2nd Week of Advent

1st Reading: Is 40:1-11
Gospel: Mt 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples, "What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one? And I tell you: when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine that did not get lost. It is the same with your Father in heaven: there they don't want even one of these little ones to be lost."

Commentary

This is a dramatic healing of a paralyzed man. Not only did Jesus bring him back to health and happiness but also the forgiveness of his sins. Noteworthy is the manner in which the paralytic had come to face with Jesus through the top of the roof and letting him down. All these were made possible through the help of his friends. In a way, this episode is telling us that at times we need to allow our friends and companions to carry us even in the most unconventional ways. What is important is the letting go and letting God act in the most unexpected ways through people and events. Let us cast out our fears that paralyze our capacity for healing and wholeness.

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