Dear People of God,
It is 16th January 2015. The readings are from Heb. 4:1-5,11; and the Gospel Mk. 2:1-12. The first reading clarifies the Rest of God. The rest means Peace of God or entering into the Promise land or the rest on the seventh day after creation. St. Augustine beautifully puts it, “our hearts are restless until it rests in thee.” Our permanent and eternal rest comes when we reach Heaven. In order to reach God’s Peace, we need to listen to the Word of God and practice it on a daily basis. Ignoring God’s Word is ignoring God’s promises and blessings reserved for us. To enjoy the rest of God, we must not harden our hearts. The Responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” Today’s Gospel brings out the reaction of the religious teachers when Jesus performing a healing. Forgiveness of sins is the basis for any healing. Healing of body and mind is the rest we are looking for from Jesus. Jesus told the paralysed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mk.2:5). Look at the reaction from the teachers of the law. With all their arguments, Jesus healed the man with paralysis. Jesus is the only who one can forgive us and judge us. He is the only one who can offer us the rest and healing we are looking for in our lives. “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt.11:28). May the Lord grant you peace and healing. Have a good day.