16 January 2026
Dear friends, In today’s Gospel, we encounter a paralyzed man who could not reach Jesus on his own. But four faithful friends carried him, overcame every obstacle, even breaking through the roof to lower him before the Lord. Jesus saw their faith, not just the man’s, and said, “Child, your sins are forgiven,” then healed him completely. This teaches us the power of true friendship rooted in mercy. In life, we all experience paralysis—whether from sin, grief, addiction, fear, or despair. We need friends with compassionate hearts who refuse to abandon us, who carry us when we cannot walk, who persist in bringing us to Christ through prayer, encouragement, and action. Ask yourself: Are you such a friend? Do you lift up the broken, persist through crowds of indifference, and lower them into Jesus’ healing presence? And do you allow merciful friends to carry you?
May the Lord grant us friends who love with His mercy, and make us friends who do the same.
