One of the highlights of visiting Galilee, the northern region of the Holy Land, is a stop in Capernaum. Capernaum was headquarters for the “Jesus for Messiah Campaign”. It was the home of St. Peter, the “Town of Jesus” and sight of many dramatic stories of the Gospel including the Bread of Life Discourse in the synagogue.
Of all the stories that I could reflect and pray upon when I am in that ancient city, the one that strikes my heart is that of the paralytic lowered through the roof of St. Peter’s home.
“Many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mk 2:1-5)
The scribes and the crowd were focused on the miracle, not undeservedly. I am sure Peter was focused on the damage to his home. (It is interesting to note that the current Catholic Church in Capernaum is literally built over the home of St. Peter, there is no roof but the Church.)
Have you ever thought about who these ‘they' were? Because I am fascinated by ‘them.’
The paralytic could not get himself to Jesus. We actually do not even know if the paralytic wanted to get to Jesus. But his friends, these ‘theys’, knew that the paralytic needed Jesus and they were willing to do what it took to make that happen.
Who are your ‘theys’ in your life? Who was it that brought you to an encounter with the Lord and the Faith? Who invited you to that retreat or conference? Who invited you back to the Sacrament of Confession?
Who is it that continues to hold you accountable and is willing to do whatever it takes to deepen your relationship with Christ? WE ALL NEED ‘THEYS’ IN OUR LIFE!
AND just as important…Who are you the ‘theys’ for? Who are you trying to carry to the Lord? Who are you knocking down roofs and doors for so that they may encounter the healing power of Jesus’ Mercy?
Because, if we are doing that for others, that is real Faith! Impressive Faith! A Faith that when Jesus witnessed it, moved Him to act powerfully.
I want to be like those ‘theys’!
Today let us recognize and give gratitude for the ‘theys’ in our life. And let us also commit more deeply to being ‘theys’ to our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers.