In this homily, Fr. John Dresko reflects on the Gospel story of the paralytic and why the Orthodox Church places this reading during Great Lent. The story is simple but deeply meaningful. A paralyzed man is brought to Christ by his friends, and through forgiveness and healing he rises and walks again. Fr. John uses this Gospel to show something important about the human soul and our need for Christ.

He begins by describing the crowded house where Christ is teaching. People gather there for many different reasons. Some are curious. Some hope to witness miracles. Others come seeking healing or guidance. In the middle of that crowd, four friends carry a paralyzed man and refuse to give up until they place him before Christ. Their determination becomes a powerful image of faith and desire.

Fr. John reminds us that Great Lent is not simply ...