1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 / Mark 2:1-12
We may wonder why the grass seems to look greener on the other side.
Could it be an optical illusion, or is it a reality?
And if it is a reality, then what is the cost of keeping the grass green?
In the 1st reading, the elders of Israel wanted a king to rule over them, just like the other nations.
Maybe they saw that the other nations had a king and they became wealthy and powerful.
The prophet Samuel made it known to them what it will cost them to have a king to rule over them.
But they would not listen. They would rather have a king to rule over them than to have God to take care of them.
In the gospel, the paralytic would also long to be like the other able-bodied people around him.
His faith, as well as the support of his friends, made him approach Jesus to grant him his desire and longing.
Let us look to Jesus who will fulfill all our needs and longings.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd who will lead us to the green pastures of His love.