And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Courage child, your sins are forgiven.”

Matthew 9:2

Have you ever had the experience of being completely numb when it comes to a certain situation? Or maybe you just cannot take one more step ahead on the treacherous journey you’ve been on. The paralytic that came to Jesus in today’s gospel was unable to move, unable to get to Jesus without the aid of others. This can teach us a very invaluable lesson.

Last year, I had one of the most difficult years of my life. As things continued to get worse and worse, I became paralyzed with depression and anxiety. There were some weeks I could not even get out of bed. But God sent me a village.

Every week, I had another person calling me, inviting me to daily mass, rosary after mass or simply to get a cup of coffee. Each time I met with one of these friends, I felt the power and presence of Christ. Nobody condemned me for my depression or told me I had to just “snap out of it” or “get over it.” Instead, with loving kindness, they reminded me of who I was.

If you notice and pay attention to the tiniest detail in today’s gospel, you will see in Matthew 9:2 that Jesus didn’t say when he saw the paralytic’s faith he forgave his sins. No. The scripture says, “When Jesus saw their faith.” It was the faith of the paralytic’s village that Jesus saw when the paralytic was unable to do anything for himself.

We all need a village when we are paralyzed, and so much can paralyze us both mentally and physically.

Today, if you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other ailment and are unable to move, pray for God to bring you a village. Ask for help, and allow those earthly angels that God has sent you to carry your burdens to Christ.