Carmelite homily for Friday, January 17, 2020 – Lectionary 309
In today’s Gospel we have the well-known story of a group of men bringing their friend, who’s a paralytic, to Jesus. But can’t get near him because of the crowds, so they climb up on the roof with that man, open up the roof, and lower the stretcher down in front of Jesus. Quite the feat. Teresa of Avila says, “God accords great favor with anyone placed with good companions.” Of course, she means the foundation of her new convents, reformed convents, but I think that rule applies to a lot larger than that. When we have good friends, caring friends, supportive friends, great accords come our way.