The previous healings of Jesus recorded by Mark emphasized the compassion of Jesus and the power of his word. In each of them, some obstacle to participation in the society (and the kingdom of God) is overcome — demonic control, illness, legal defilement. Now the stage is set to focus on the primary barrier — sin. The power of Jesus’ word is here shown by the multitudes attracted to him. Yet, the very effect of his teaching — in this case the gathered crowds — can be an obstacle or a challenge to the faith of those who see him. Jesus perceives the inventiveness of the companions of the paralyzed man as a sign of faith, and it is noteworthy that their faith influences Jesus’ response to their friend’s need (v 5). Here physical healing is presented as a sign of the forgiveness of sins, but this pardon depends not only on the sinner’s own faith, but also on the faith of the community around him.

Those in the crowd who hear Jesus’ teaching (v 3) marvel at his miracle (v 12). But those close by who hear his words of forgiveness harden their hearts against him (vv 6-7). At this point begins the trial ("he blasphemes" see Mk 14:64) that will lead to his death. A wandering preacher and wonderworker they could tolerate. A Messiah who came in might and judgment (against their enemies, of course!) they would welcome. But the forgiving and merciful presence of God they could not abide. And this Son of God would not only speak a word of pardon, but would die for the truth of his word.

One of the biggest obstacles we place in God’s way is the poverty of our expectations. We seem so often like small children crying for candy when given nourishing food, content with trinkets when offered treasure. Our problem is not that we are unworthy of God’s gifts; it’s that we simply don’t want them! This is nothing new. Isaiah complained that the Israelites rebelled for the same reason. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus because he wasn’t their kind of Messiah. Our biggest need as Christians today is to educate our values and desires to want what God has to offer us.

This psalm of thanksgiving for restoration to health expresses the first step on the road to life with God. The attitudes of thanks for "what God has done for me" must lead to praise of God for "who he is in himself." Response: "Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."

The first part of this reading concerns Paul’s reasons for not visiting Corinth as he had planned. It appears that he had to reassure them of his love and concern for them. But he concludes with a statement that sums up the role of the Trinity in the Christian life. God the Father has fulfilled his promises to us in Christ, the Son of God, and through him we worship the Father by joining our wills (our "Amen") to his (v 20). This unity of will with Christ is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who is the "down-payment" of the promised eternal union with God already present among us (vv 21-22).

1. Can your faith — or lack of it — have any bearing on the well-being of others? How?

2. How can we "educate our desires" to seek what God has to give rather than expect him to be guided by our wants?