You're paralyzed (see Lk 5:18ff). One or two or even several miracles wouldn't help you that much. Your situation is beyond that. You need people to carry you. Considering the crowd, how can you even get close to Jesus? If you did get close, there's still your sins; besides that, there's the scribes and Pharisees to contend with. You have problems on your problems. You need more than a miracle; you need a series of coordinated, perfectly timed miracles. Don't give in to despair; don't refuse to try. The Lord will work as many miracles as you need, in the order needed, and at the times necessary.
You're a Jewish exile in Babylon. Even if you tried to escape, there is a desert between you and your homeland (see Is 35:1ff) and no road through the desert. You don't have any food, you're too weak and afraid (see Is 35:3-4), and you've been in exile for over forty years. Even if you tried, there are the wild animals (see Is 35:7). You have abandoned even the idea of not giving up.
Don't give in to despair; don't refuse to try. Jesus promises you a series of several perfectly arranged and timed miracles. Get on the holy highway (Is 35:8). Return home to Jesus, His Church, your spouse, your marriage, your parents, freedom, peace, hope, and life. Come home for Christmas.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I let You miraculously get me home for Christmas. |
| PROMISE: | "My friend, your sins are forgiven you." –Lk 5:20 |
| PRAISE: | Jesus delivered Carl from addictions to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Now Carl devours the Scriptures instead (Jer 15:16). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College