Friday 16^th January – Friday of Week 1 of the Year

Reflection: Mark 2:1-12

THE CATALYST OF FAITH

Imagine a parent standing on a high platform and concentrating on some activity and his small child is trying to get his attention. The child must be very determined to get to the parent by either seeking the notice of the parent or seeking help from those around to lift him up to the platform. This scene can in some respect, be likened to our faith in Christ; not because God is so far away from us and inattentive to our needs but because God desires that our faith in Him is strengthened. He desires that we truly believe and trust Him so much that we are determined to seek Him and follow His will joyfully even in the midst of hurdles.

This was the case of the paralytic in today’s gospel reading who was hindered from gaining access to Christ by the large crowd surrounding Jesus. A similar situation occurred with the blind beggar (Luke 18:35-43) and with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-5) who had to climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Beloved in Christ, what effort are you making to meet Christ genuinely each day? What are the hindrances you must overcome? Is it an ungodly relationship or a sinful habit?

We have to build on our faith because it is a catalyst that moves God to answer us. Our faith, though personal, sometimes requires leverage by others who share the same vision with us. The four men who helped the paralytic represent the support we receive from fellowshipping with others in Church or at our youth fellowships. Let us not allow the devil to deceive us into thinking that we are self sufficient. We are all partners in Christ (Hebrews 3:13). Let us strengthen our faith by a prayerful life and a determination to seek God in his word every day. Just as the writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us; “Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith” (Hebrews 4:11).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me more of the gift of faith that I may always trust in you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 24 – What does my faith have to do with the Church?

No one can believe alone and by himself, just as no one can live alone and by himself. We receive the faith from the Church and live it out in fellowship with the people with whom we share our faith.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater” Luke 17:5 GNB

Readings for Today: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Psalm 78:3-8; Mark 2:1-12