Bible
Breaking Open the Word at Home
February 19, 2012
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25; Ps 41:2-3, 4-5, 13-142; Cor 1:18-22; Mk 2:1-12
When I taught High School, today's Gospel was a great one to use with the kids because it makes such a strong and clear statement about friendship. Left on his own, the paralytic was unable to get near Jesus. His friends knew that the only way to healing was through Jesus and they would do whatever it took to bring their friend to Jesus...even to cutting a hole in the roof and lowering him right in front of the Healer. Real friends bring us closer to Jesus not away from him.
Kids: Think about the paralyzed boy's friends and what they did to help. What are some things you do to be a helpful friend? What might you do to bring your friends closer to Jesus?
Teens: Our friends are a very important part of our lives. They can help us be better people or they can encourage us to make bad choices. Pray to Jesus that you might have the kind of friends that the paralyzed boy in the Gospel had. Be sure to pray to be the best kind of friend possible. During Lent, ask yourself once a week if your friends are bringing you to Jesus or being an obstacle.
Adults: It is helpful to our relationship with Jesus to place ourselves in situations that feed our spirit. Are the people in your life supportive of your faith or do they criticize what is of value to you? Perhaps this Lent you might take advantage of some additional spiritual activity here at St. Al’s and surround yourself with people, who like the friends in the Gospel will bring you closer to Jesus..