Deepening Our Knowledge and Experience of God’s Love for Us

Sunday, February 19, 2006
Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25
Psalm 41:2-5, 13-14
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Mark 2:1-12

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

When Paul wrote this letter, he was experiencing “disputes without and fears within” (2 Corinthians 7:5). False rumors were being spread about him, and he was afraid, not just for himself but for the future of the Corinthian community as well.

In self-defense, Paul told the Corinthians that although as a man he might be changeable, the doctrine that he preached was not yes and no. Jesus was the eternal Son of God. Therefore, he was incapable of any inconsistencies. He is always and forever “yes.” It was the “yes” of divine love that moved him to come to earth as a human being; it was the “yes” of divine love that impelled him to Calvary to die for our sins; and it is still the “yes” of divine love that sustains his promise to come again and establish his kingdom once and for all.

How healing it can be to accept this truth! We tend to picture Jesus saying not “yes” to us but “maybe,” or “yes, but. . .” We think that he loves us more when we are doing well and less when we are caught in sin. But Paul assured the Corinthians that God’s love is always consistent, that there is nothing on earth that can ever separate us from this love, and that his love never fails.

So never believe that God has stopped loving you, no matter what state you may be in. Never believe that God would withhold his love from you or anyone in your family. We may have to go through hard times or struggle with sin, but God is with us and will always sustain us and offer us his victory. Remember: God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save it. And that means you!

“Jesus, I treasure your love and revel in its power in my life. Without you I would be afraid and lost in a lonely world. But you have picked me up and set me on the firm rock of your love. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading (Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25), God offers a fresh start and something completely new to the Israelites in exile. How would you describe the new things has God done in the Church, and among individual Catholics, in say the past 50 years? Do you see any new works or moves of God in the Church right now? How have these moves of God effected your own faith and your relationship with Christ, e.g., has it deepened it?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 41:2), we hear these words: “Blessed is the one who has regard for the lowly and the poor.” Why do you think, as the psalmist proclaims, this “regard” brings deliverance, blessing, protection, healing, and forgiveness from the Lord?
3. In the second reading (2 Corinthians 1:20), we hear these words: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” What are some of the promises of God in this Sunday’s Mass readings? Does your level of belief and faith in these promises of God, and others, impact how you live out your life? In What way?
4. In the Gospel reading, we hear these words, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’” Then he goes on to say, “I say to you, rise, pickup your mat, and go home.” It is the faith and persistence of the paralytic’s friends that moves Jesus to action, not simply the man’s plight. Why do you think their faith had such an impact on Jesus? How does the message of this story apply to your own life?
5. In the Gospel, Jesus not only heals the paralytic, but also forgives his sins. Jesus must have known that this man also needed a fresh start, healing not only his legs but also his sin-burdened heart. Share any areas in your life in need of a fresh start, and then pray a few minutes together for these areas. Also, what are some actions you can take to help give your children, your spouse, other members of your family, or other people a fresh start? Share at the next men’s group meeting the fruit of any of these actions.
6. In the meditation, we hear these words, “We think that he loves us more when we are doing well and less when we are caught in sin. But Paul assured the Corinthians that God’s love is always consistent, that there is nothing on earth that can ever separate us from this love, and that his love never fails. So never believe that God has stopped loving you, no matter what state you may be in. Never believe that God would withhold his love from you or anyone in your family. We may have to go through hard times or struggle with sin, but God is with us and will always sustain us and offer us his victory. Remember: God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save it. And that means you!”
   How strongly do you believe these words about God’s love for you, and if you do what is their impact on your life, especially those areas or circumstances you are struggling with? Pray for one another that each of you would experience a deeper revelation and experience of God’s personal love for you.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen