04-07-24 Membawa "Orang Lumpuh Rohani" ke Kesembuhan: Kisah Kegigihan dan Doa yang Mengubah Hidup

Thursday 13th week in ordinary time "Mt 9:1-8" They brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'?" Some souls, like the paralytic, find it difficult to approach the source of healing. You see? The paralytic needed others to place him in front of Jesus in order to be healed. The Gospel says 'they' brought to Him a paralytic. Who were 'they'? 'They' were loyal friends, the instruments that God used to heal the man and forgive his sins. We also have that mission: bringing 'spiritual paralytics' to God. A spiritually paralysed person can't approach God without help. God heals and forgives, but He wants us to bring souls to Him. Especially with our prayers, and then, also, with example and encouragement. But persistent prayer is the most important part. A severely injured German soldier was taken to a hospital in France during WWI. There was a German nun taking care of him. When she realised the gravity of his condition she suggested that the patient should see a priest. He rejected the offer. She told him that she would be praying for him to go to Confession before his death. "You'll give up," replied the German soldier, "I don't have any intention to confess." "I don't give up easily," said the nun, laughing, "I have been praying for a particular man for more than 16 years." "You must love him dearly!" exclaimed the soldier. "Actually I don't know him personally," answered the nun. "My mum used to serve a countess in Germany. The countess knew I was a religious nun and told my mum to ask me for prayers for her son. Apparently, the countess' son was leading a very sinful life..." The soldier, shocked, interrupted her, "Are you the daughter of Beata?" Surprised, the nun asked, "Why? Are you Charles, the son of the Countess?" He certainly was. In tears he made his Confession just before he died, thanks to the persistent prayer of that faithful woman. My Mother, Refuge of Sinners, with your help, may I pray tirelessly for souls to go to confession and never give up on anyone.