Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B
19th February 2012

He ain't heavy, he's my Brother.

In this Sunday's Gospel, the friends of the paralyzed man were so determined for him to be healed that they did something so unexpected. They found a way, even if it meant hauling their friend up the roof and making a hole in it, just to bring their loved one near Jesus. The owner of the house would not have been very happy at this intrusion and destruction of his roof.

The paralytic was fortunate to have these friends. They loved him very much. He could not move. He relied utterly on their loving efforts and determined action.

This story has lessons for those who are in the position of the paralyzed man and those who are in the position of his friends. We can be in need of help or be a helper. There are instances where a person feels so helpless, he is no longer able by himself to deal with a physical ailment, control a destructive habit, or cope with a debilitating social situation (loss of a job). During these times of hopelessness and darkness, we need friends to lift us up.

These are people who support us when we are down and out. They carry us when we could hardly move. They defend us in our lowest moments. They do not give up on us. The faith of these friends can also enkindle our own faith. They make us experience the love of God.

This is what community is all about. A community is a group of friends who provide support for one another. We are interdependent on one another. We are challenged by the Gospel to form communities where people feel they are supported and they are not alone. The presence of concerned friends is an integral part of a parish community. We must be sensitive to the needs of others.

A word of caution: we have to constantly remind ourselves that the aim of assisting others is to make them independent of the helper. It is a sign of successful rehabilitation if the helper is less and less needed. It is a poor Physician who boasts, "My patient needs my help so much, he cannot live without me."

The best sign that we have succeeded is to see someone who once was in need of help, now becoming the helper.

"Happy the person who considers the poor and the needy,
The Lord will save them in the day of evil".
Psalm 40:2