Homily for the Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot

In our Gospel reading today, we encounter the well-known story of Jesus healing the paralytic on the mat. While the man's healing is significant, it serves as a part of a larger narrative: the forgiveness of sins. This healing demonstrates to the doubters and critics that Jesus possesses the authority to forgive sins. As we observe in many healing stories, it is through their faith that people receive healing and forgiveness. This is not merely a reward; their faith opens them to God's healing power, which is always present.

The primary focus of this story is not the healing of the body but the transformation of our souls through God's forgiveness of our sins and the healing of our relationships with God and one another. This healing occurred because the paralyzed man's friends because they believed Jesus could heal him. Indeed, their faith changed their lives and the life of their friend.

Let us pray for the faith we need to invite God's healing power into our hearts and souls.