Friday, January 15, 2010
1 Samuel 8: 4-7, 10-22; Psalm 89; Mark 2: 1-12
Today we hear Israel clamoring for a king so that they might be like other nations. God says: “They have rejected me from being king over them.” God, through Samuel, warns the people that their sons will be fodder for the war machine, their daughters enslaved to work for the king. The people insist on a king, a leader in battle, any way.
In the gospel four people carry their paralyzed friend to Jesus, but because of the crowd, they have to “dig through” the roof to let him down. Jesus tells him his sins are forgiven, which begins a grumble among the scribes. The people “get it” however, and glorify God in their amazement.
When have you spontaneously glorified God in your amazement? What takes your breath away? And how do you respond? This can be named a moment of contemplation, when you are lifted out of yourself and caught up. Today’s story could provide a rich Ignatian contemplation. Who of us does not at times feel paralyzed? Who of us does not have a friend or six who need Christ’s healing? Join the scene.
Heal us, Jesus, our only leader. Heal us from a need to go to war, to enslave ourselves by fear, to be paralyzed when justice calls. Heal all leaders from revenge.