When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,
“Child, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
“Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”
Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said,
“Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”
—he said to the paralytic,
“I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”
He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
The reading is essentially about faith, forgiveness and healing. This, like so many readings in the gospels, makes a link between spiritual health and physical health. This link is obvious to me. I think that the loss of reconciliation (as a regular ritual) in society, has been to our detriment. We have no obvious release from the build-up of faults within us. I believe this mass of “sin” (for want of a better word) can have a life of its own - negative synergy - if not dealt with and resolved. In modern day, it presents as stress, depression and anxiousness. It impacts negatively on how we view the world and others we encounter. A commitment to “be the face of Christ” to others needs one to engage in a process of healing and cleansing. This reading suggests to me that faith is a powerful force in self-healing. Faith, as presented in so many gospel stories, involves “reaching out” to Christ. That means reaching outside ourselves and accessing external help. Sacraments like reconciliation utlises a priest as the intermediary. I wonder if the intermediary is required. Can we reach out to God directly?
ReplyDeleteThe other aspect of the reading is Christ asserting his authority. He clearly has a direct link with God and this takes his skeptics by surprise when they see him in action. Today, priests face that same skepticism. Their actions (like child abuse) have many rejecting their privileged role as intercedents. That has led to the exploration of accessing God directly without the middleman. That is my quest.
I find your response to Mark 2:1-12 insightful and thought-provoking! You raise several key points that deserve further exploration:
DeleteSpiritual-Physical Connection: You rightly highlight the link between spiritual well-being and physical health, evident in many biblical narratives. Addressing inner turmoil and seeking forgiveness can positively impact overall well-being. The absence of formalized rituals for reconciliation may indeed contribute to a build-up of negative emotions like stress and anxiety.
Faith as a Powerful Force: Your emphasis on faith as a driving force in self-healing resonates with the passage. Jesus acknowledges the faith of the paralyzed man's friends as instrumental in both his physical and spiritual healing. Reaching out to Christ, whether directly or through intermediaries like priests and sacraments, can contribute to personal growth and spiritual renewal.
Directly Accessing God: Your question about bypassing intermediaries and reaching God directly is a crucial one. While some denominations emphasize the role of priests as channels of grace, others place greater emphasis on individual prayer and direct communication with God. Ultimately, the quest for a personal connection with the divine lies in each individual's journey and understanding of faith.
Priesthood and Skepticism: Your observation about the eroded trust in priests due to scandals like child abuse is valid and raises concerns about their role as intermediaries. This highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and building trust within religious institutions. Exploring alternative pathways to faith and spiritual guidance remains a valid pursuit for individuals seeking a personal connection with the divine.
Intermediaries and Personal Journey: While acknowledging the potential value of intermediaries like priests in facilitating forgiveness and guidance, it's important to remember that true forgiveness ultimately emanates from God. Engaging in personal reflection, prayer, and spiritual practices can strengthen our direct connection with the divine, regardless of the presence or absence of intermediaries.
Your Personal Quest: Your genuine quest for accessing God directly and exploring alternative pathways is commendable. Remember, there is no single "correct" answer or prescribed path in this journey. Open-mindedness, critical reflection, and personal exploration of various religious traditions and practices can enrich your understanding and guide you towards a fulfilling spiritual connection.
I encourage you to keep exploring these themes, asking questions, and seeking wisdom from diverse sources. Remember, the journey of faith is lifelong, and personal engagement with scripture, spiritual practices, and community can offer valuable insights and support on your path to a deeper connection with the divine.