The importance of Rising, picking up ones mat and going Home

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: First Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:1-12*

*First Reading : Heb 4:1-5, 11*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8*

*The importance of Rising, picking up ones mat and going Home*

*1) Picking up ones mat*

First of all it is the sign of, restoration of human identity and the Dignity of the  person

By telling the man to *pick up your mat,* Jesus invites him to take responsibility for his own life again. 

The mat, once a symbol of his helplessness and dependency, now becomes a testimony to his healing and transformation

*2)  A Call to Move Forward*

The command to *go home* signifies a return to normal life, but as a changed person. 

The healed man is sent back to his community as a witness to the transformative power of Jesus

*3) Spiritual Resurrection*

The command *Rise* echoes the greater truth of spiritual resurrection.

 Just as the paralytic is raised from his condition of helplessness, we are called to rise from sin and death into new life with Christ.

*4) The Public Nature of God’s Work*

Jesus performs this miracle publicly to demonstrate His power and to lead others to glorify God. 

The healed man walking home with his mat is a visible sign of God’s power at work.

This is an external sign which shows the real healing person  

The healed man walking home with his mat is a visible sign of God’s power at work.

*5) The Authority of Jesus Over Sin and Sickness*

The above Jesus' words demonstrate His divine authority. 

By forgiving the man's sins and then healing his body, Jesus shows that He has power over both the spiritual and physical realms.

*6) Leaving Behind a Life of Paralysis*

Taking up the mat signifies leaving behind the old life of immobility and dependence. 

It marks a transition from a state of helplessness to one of freedom and purpose.

*7) Carrying the Memory of Grace*

The mat serves as a personal reminder of God’s mercy. 

Every time the healed person sees or carries it, they are reminded of where they came from and the grace they received.

*8) Walking in Freedom and Witnessing to Others*

Taking up the mat and walking demonstrates the fullness of the healing. 

The mat, once a crutch, is now evidence of new freedom. 

Am I able to pick up my mat and go to Jesus?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*