Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 8:4-7.10-22a; Mark 2:1-12)
Jesus’ enigmatic question, “Which is easier…?” may be
applied to today’s first reading as well as the gospel. Is it easier for God to create a conquering
nation or a holy people? Many will respond unreflectively, “a holy people.” However, the simple truth seems to be that it
is much easier to make a nation of conquerors than to make a holy people. Yet the latter is precisely Jesus’ purpose.
Jesus builds on already present faith. The reading says, “Jesus saw their faith.” It
may be referring to the faith of all present, not just to that of the
paralytic’s porters. That is, Jesus may be responding to the faith of all who
are coming to believe in him as God’s “favored one.” Through Jesus’ teaching they begin to see
that a nation’s true greatness consists not in having a victorious army but in
being a people dedicated to holiness and justice. The people’s care will extend especially to
those most in need – paralytics and the poor.
Pope Francis is making every effort to extend this concept
of greatness through compassion. He is
sometimes criticized for insufficient concern about orthodoxy. By all means, preserving the apostolic faith
is one of the prime responsibilities of the Bishop of Rome. For this reason Francis continually asks
prayers that he does not fail in his duties.
It might be added, however, that the pope is above all the head of
apostles. His primary task is to carry
out Jesus’ mission of forming a holy people who will practice God’s love for
all.
