REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 12/6/21 (Monday)

For the readings, click here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Monday of the Second Week of Advent! In our gospel reading, there was a man who was paralyzed and wanted to be healed by Christ. However, they found it difficult to come to Him because of the crowd, so they went up on the roof and lowered him on a stretcher. After seeing their faith, Jesus forgave him of his sins, and He healed him because He saw how dedicated they were in seeking Him. They did not dwell on the obstacles they had because they knew that only Jesus could save him. If they did not come to Him, the paralyzed man may be miserable forever. 

Perhaps, we need to be more dedicated in our own faith. Jesus used the sacraments to be vessels of His grace. He says that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will have eternal life, and we can have the hope of the resurrection (John 6:54). He also uses priesthood to be instruments of His forgiveness that whoever they forgive, their sins will be truly forgiven (John 20:23). However, we may be making excuses not to receive the graces through the sacraments of Eucharist and confession that will heal us of our spiritual illnesses. Maybe, we do not really see how sick and sinful we are. Maybe, we prioritize our own concerns rather than entrust everything to God and follow Him. 

He is inviting us to prioritize Him and do everything out of love for Him. All that He wants is to save us from our sins and heal our wounds. We all have obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him. Everlasting happiness that is beyond our imagination is awaiting for us in heaven. In order to obtain this, we must love Jesus Christ during our lives. Let us examine ourselves, and let us be firm in our resolutions to always seek Him despite all of the obstacles and temptations that we experience. Let us come to Jesus in the Eucharist and receive His forgiveness through confession. And, let us ask for help from God, so that we may have better spiritual life in this world that is full of distractions. 

 Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May God bless us and may He grant us forgiveness of our sins. May He detach us from the obstacles in our lives, so we can always come to Him. Amen. + 

Reflection by: Dominic