It Takes a Village - Weekday Homily Video

In Africa we have a saying that “it takes a whole village to raise a child” everyone in the community has a responsibility to make sure that a child grows into a responsible, respectful, well integrated person. A neighbor can offer discipline to a neighbor's child. In our faith as Catholics or believers there is also what we refer to as “interdependence of faith” which implies that as believers we rely on each other as parts of a larger whole, the Body of Christ” to grow, find strength, and live out our beliefs. As Christians we can move beyond our individualism to mutual support, shared burdens and collective witness to Christ’s teaching of mercy and love.

That is the image portrayed in today’s gospel. These four friends who were determined to see that their friend, a paralytic, is brought to Jesus for healing. They demonstrate an extraordinary faith through their creativity in overcoming all challenges and obstacles in getting their friend to Jesus. No barrier would stand in their way whether it was the large crowd around Jesus or the roof over Jesus.

A Strong Demonstration of Faith

Their actions illustrate well what interdependence faith looks life; it involves vulnerability (recognizing that I need help), offering help, receiving support and recognizing that everyone, regardless of their role, is vital to the community’s spiritual health. The actions of these four friends mainly opening the roof to lower down the paralytic before Jesus manifest the power of collective faith. Seeing such an act of Love, Jesus is moved to compassion and not only forgives the man’s sins but also offers him complete physical healing. Through the actions and faith of the four friends, Jesus turns despair into hope for them all. This shows how God responds when we go out of our way to seek help for our loved ones.

For us as believes it is important to note;

• that we are all part of something bigger, we need others as they need us, we must bring others to Jesus just as we need to be brought to Jesus as well.
• That overly individualistic faith kept the Scribes blind to the presence of God’s healing power and authority flowing through Jesus. The Scribes would have easily recognized that true spiritual life flourishes in community not in isolation, but they were stuck in questioning Jesus’ authority.
• Interdependence of faith demands actions for all believers, whereby our Christian life is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in God that manifests in love, service and obedience to God’s will. The scriptures tell us that if anyone says I love God but hates his brother is a liar. For love and action are integral to authentic faith.

Jesus Heals Physically and Spiritually

The healing of the paralytic also shows that Jesus attends to both our physical ailments and spiritual needs. He has divine authority to attend and heal both physical and spiritual sicknesses. He extends his mercy through forgiveness of sins and wants us to know that we are being embraced by God’s love. He may not always do exactly what we are asking for, but he does pour out his grace – just the right amount at just the right time and in just the right way.

• Are we willing to go the extra mile for others?
• Are we ready to actively support, encourage and hold each other accountable in faith, sharing joys and sorrows?
• Are we willing to carry each other’s burden to Christ to participate and foster faith community?
• Interdependence of faith calls for the virtues of humility, servanthood, and a willingness to submit to one another for the good of the whole.

• Today’s Readings

• Father Fulgen's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning.  You can view the Mass (at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.

• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)