Finding the Desert
Sometimes I think it better to read the gospel first and then the first reading second. Today is one of those times. The paralytic has friends who bring him to Jesus by lowering him through an opening in the roof. Remarkable. First, would it not be great to have friends like that. Second, being told your sins are forgiven what did the paralytic think or feel.
Now read the first reading. This poor man probably had a desert for a heart. But just like in Isaiah, it is now blooming with lush flowers. It is time to break out in jubilant song. Knees that were weak are now made strong. He can walk. I would think he and his friends would be singing praise and glory to God. And even more, they would have recognized they were in the presence of God. What an awesome encounter. What an awesome time.
We, too, must learn to recognize those special moments where we see God working in our lives. Many times, they are personal revelations just to you. When you can share with others in the same revelation there is a mutual joy and excitement that is palpable. This Advent, you can create those moments, particularly with your family or with others. In this busy time, we try to fill up the desert with busyness, parties, or other worldly suggestions. A desert can only be made beautiful by experiencing the dryness and then discovering the rivers of love flowing from God.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen