OUR LIFE RESTORER

       Jesus was seen by his contemporaries as a singular life restorer. Nobody considered him to be just a magician or a quack of that time. He had a very unique way of healing. He did not have recourse to strange forces nor did he conjure up secret formulas.

He did not have any amulets or charms. Yet, when he came across sick people, he brought them back to health.

       The various Gospel narratives offer us many diverse kinds of his healing power. He loves and defends life; he welcomes every sick person in a special way; he brings out the best in each one of them; and the way he makes them believe in God prepares them for their recovery and health.

       Jesus did not give them solutions to solve their bodily problems. He prepares them to heal them completely to a fuller life. The recover, not only physically, but the sick person recovers completely and makes him feel happy.

Jesus does not only heal sick people: he is a life restorer.

       Every different Gospel story underlines a new way of healing. He frees people from solitude and lack of faith, making them total believers in God the Father. “Do you believe in God?” At the same time, He delivers them from their submissiveness and negative outlook on life, giving them the desire to start a new life. “Your faith has given you life.”

       And that is not all. Jesus frees them from everything that blocks their own lives and makes them less human: their madness, guilt and sense of despair. He offers them total forgiveness, peace and God’s blessing. Every sick person gets something that all other quack healers could never give: a new relationship with a God who will help them to live honourably and at peace.

       Mark describes the cure of a paralytic that took place in the house where Jesus used to reside in Caparnaun. It is a striking example of Jesus’

healing power. Surpassing all the odds, four friends or neighbours succeed in bringing the paralytic at the feet of Jesus.

       Jesus stops preaching and looks straight at the paralytic. How did the illness start? What are his difficulties, disappointments and other trials in his life? The sick person says nothing and makes no gesture. There he is, motionless on the stretcher.

       What does the man really need to be a fully human being, stand up and start walking? Jesus speaks to him gently like a mother: “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Stop feeling guilty. Have faith in God. You’re forgiven. Give up all your past sins. How many people need the same forgiveness and healing like him! And where are the friends or neighbours who will take them and help them to get in touch with Jesus, the life restorer?

Gospel network BUENAS NOTICIAS           February 19, 2012

Believe in God’s total forgiveness              VII Ordinary Sunday (B)

Pass it on                                         Mk 2, 1-12