December 7, 2020 Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent-B ST. AMBROSE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 85
Luke 5:17-26
The desert and the parched land will exult; Is. 35:1
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Lk. 5:20
Lord, you saw the man’s paralyzed body and his soul paralyzed by sin. His soul, to the surprise of everyone there, became your priority. His friends overcame the obstacles of the crowd and the roof to bring this man before you. They were inspired and filled with courage to see their friend freed from his infirmity. Little did they know that his greatest infirmity was not his body. Lord, I can let obstacles like pride or lack of faith keep me from the healing you offer in your great Sacrament of Reconciliation. You so want to free me from what roadblocks I erect that keeps me from receiving the mercy you want for me. My life can become like the desert that blooms with flowers. This story also shows me that what I see as my greatest need is not what you see. You know best how to heal and free me to live in freedom. This man walked home on sturdy legs but his real joy had to be freedom from all his sins. Lord, I pray for what you see I need. Don’t let me settle for anything less. St. Ambrose, pray for us. Amen.