February 22, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.--Psalm 41:5

Mass readings: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25 / 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 / Mark 2:1-12

Understanding Less Clearly

As ''Maude,'' actress Bea Arthur was famous for her signature line ''God'll get you for that.'' The idea of divine retribution seldom evokes laughter, but her icy stare and flawless delivery made it happen. In Jesus' time, disease and disability were commonly seen as punishment for sin. The paralytic whom Jesus cured in today's Gospel may have believed it himself. So to reassure him, Jesus first forgave his sins. That man's paralysis was not likely sin-related, certainly not if he was born that way or became paralyzed as a very young child. So why the paralysis?

I used to have things like atonement and God's causality in daily life neatly figured out. I used to have many things all neatly figured out. Lately I think I'm going backward in that department. I hope it's a sign of wisdom.

Prayer: Jesus, let me be content with not understanding -- unless I really need to.