Saint Antony, Abbot 

Hebrews 4:1-5,​11
Psalm 77(78):3-4,6-8
Mark 2:1-12

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR OBSTACLES

Today’s readings delve into the concept of authority, emphasizing that all power is derived from God. Humanity was endowed with free will, granting us the capacity to pursue good. However, original sin marked a pivotal rupture in our relationship with God, as humanity’s disobedience to His divine authority was exhibited through the desire for an earthly king—indicative of Israel’s rejection of God’s sovereignty.

In the Gospel narrative, Jesus exemplifies authority not merely through His teaching but also through His capacity to heal and forgive. The encounter with the paralytic, lowered through the roof by his friends, highlights this dual aspect of His power. Jesus poses a pivotal question: “Which is easier to forgive or to heal?”

He asserts His divine authority by stating, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” followed by the instruction to the paralytic to “get up, take your mat, and go home” (vv10-11).

This incident embodies a crucial theme within Mark’s Gospel: the interrelation of physical healing and the forgiveness of sins—demonstrating that only God possesses the authority to alleviate human suffering, sins borne by Christ Himself. The narrative underscores that true salvation lies in our adherence to Christ’s teachings.

The profound assertion that “God is bigger than your problems” serves as a reminder that as we deepen our understanding of divine capability, our fears in the face of life’s challenges diminish. The significance of Jesus’ authority transcends the miracles He performed; indeed, if our focus is solely on the miraculous outcomes, we risk overlooking a larger truth.

This truth asserts that God’s presence is continually among us, yet we frequently demand tangible proof of His existence. The scribes’ query in the Gospel evokes a contemporary reflection: how often do we mirror this skepticism?

The presence of God is manifest in our daily lives, observable without reliance on extraordinary phenomena. While Jesus illustrated His authority through signs and miracles, the evidence is not only exclusively found in scripture but is often situated in our immediate context, contingent upon our awareness. Recognizing God’s ever-present nature within our experience is paramount to cultivating hope.

Fr Joseph Osho