06 October 2021 Luke 5:17-26
Monday of the 2nd Week in Advent
HEART-MANGER
Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? (Luke 5:22)
Medical science has a long list of causes for sickness such as virus/bacteria, genetic, toxins etc. Recent studies reveal physical reasons can cause physical sickness namely, excessive stress leading to ulcer, fear of chilling, anger to high blood pressure etc.
Modern psychosomatic medicine is based on the connection between our mind and body. For example, excessive stress can cause ulcers, fear of trembling or anger to blood pressure etc. Similarly extreme sense of guilt can lead people to physical paralysis. Perhaps that can be one of the possible reasons for the paralysis of the paralytic, his crushing sense of guilt over some past sins. Jesus liberates him from the clutches of sins that paralyses him by forgiving his sins.
Advent is also a time of healing/repenting over our sins as it was reminded by John the Baptist in yesterday’s gospel. A heart clean of sin creates the best possible Manger for the Lord to take birth. Amen.