We Have Seen Great Things
“We have seen great things today” were the words that came from the mouth of those who witnessed the miracle performed by Jesus on the paralyzed man who was lowered from the roof by his friends. Jesus acknowledged the faith and their willingness to help the sick friend.
Last week on Monday, we encountered the Roman Centurion who interceded on behalf of his servant who was sick. The centurion confessed his unworthiness and requested that Jesus did not need to come to his house but could heal his servant from a distance. Jesus also recognized the faith of the centurion when he said, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
The actions of Jesus in the gospel were the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, which we read today in our first reading (35:1-10).
“They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.”
In our journey of faith, we encounter various people and various voices. Some of them may be friendly, while some will be unfriendly. Some only see the wrongs they think we have done and would point or even shout them out “from the rooftops.” There are some who would offer us a helping hand, without evil or judgmental eyes, but with loving voices and tender hands. The latter group wants the best for us.
Advent is a time to do an examination of ourselves. It is a time of revelation, revolution, and transformation. A time to be like Christ, to see like Christ, to walk like Christ, to speak like Christ, and to act like Christ. It is a time to step out and be like the friends in today’s gospel. Jesus comes to make us whole. He comes to make us the best version of ourselves.
Can you and I be and act like the friend of the paralyzed man and not like the Scribes and the Pharisees? The parable of Jesus challenges us to take a fresh look, a new look at things. It calls for a change of heart, a metanoia, a transformation of consciousness, and a new way of thinking, seeing, and looking at life. It requires embracing a different set of values and attitudes, leading to a complete change in conduct. Metanoia requires a paradigm shift. Metanoia is a new way of seeing. Christ way!
Have a blessed week.
