“But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.

As I was sitting in the doctor’s office for a routine checkup, I got to talking to the young nurse about God.  She agreed that the problems of the world all stem from breakdown of the family and even more directly from our separation from God. She then went on to explain that personally, she does not have any time to get to church. Sigh…

Let’s ask ourselves a very real and personal question. Does the business of my life in the modern world and the chaos of “the crowd” prevent me from an encounter with Jesus Christ?  

In today’s Gospel, “the crowd” was initially preventing the men from getting in to encounter Christ, but they would not let that stop them. They did whatever it took to bring in their friend who needed healing, even if it meant going up on the roof and lowering him in. Their efforts won for them an up close and personal encounter with the King of the Universe! Seeing their heroic faith, Jesus both forgave their sins and healed the paralytic!

Here is a bold statement for you this Advent. We do not suffer from a time issue, but instead we suffer from a faith issue. He knows everything about us. He can help us with every situation and every relationship. Our work, our children, our spouses, everything!

Find a way around the crowds this Advent season and make time for a daily appointment with Christ!  Find rest in the middle of the throne room of God and allow the Prince of Peace to reign in your heart.  

Mark Hartfiel, Paradisus Dei
Author of The School of Nazareth, a 30-day journey with St. Joseph

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