I think not. Rather, it is a lovely reference to the seventh day of creation— the day on which Godrested.
His rest is that perfect place of harmony and peace — all things in order, all accomplished; a place to enjoy, to “rest,” and to share the fruits of that loving creative power having gone out!
The Gospel today offers some of that healing, powerful, and fruitful love of God passing through the messianic and loving and healing hands and words of the Christ.
He heals the paralytic spiritually and physically. He “unbinds” him from his tomb of paralysis. He opens his heart and soul, and cleanses him of sin and spiritual debris.
The man and his comrades show great faith in dismantling the roof to allow an encounter with the Christ.
The Christ goes for broke — he takes care of business; he teaches and peers into the hearts of his “enemies” and shows them what faith can do.
He shows them what openness to God can do. He gives them a little of the “rest” that Hebrews speaks of — that peace, joy, freedom, healing, new life, and goodness that was so evident on the seventh day.
It is God’s promise revealed and experienced through the Holy One of God, Jesus the Christ.
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
