Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 / Mark 2:1-12
About 15% to 20% of the population in Singapore suffer from insomnia.
That is about one out of five person who suffers from a sleep disorder.
Even if we don’t suffer from insomnia, not being able to get to sleep quickly or having interrupted sleep can be quite frustrating.
Yes, it is so nice to be able to lie in bed and to sleep well and have a good rest.
But for the paralytic in the gospel passage, lying in bed was like a torture for him.
And there was nothing he could do about it, until his friends decided to do something.
They brought him to see Jesus, and in their determination, they even made an opening in the roof to lower the paralytic and his stretcher to where Jesus was.
The first words from Jesus that the paralytic heard was: My child, your sins are forgiven.
That was all that is needed to begin the healing of his spirit and body.
And the next time he lies in bed, it will be a good rest and a peaceful sleep.
The 1st reading tells of the promise of the place of rest that God had promised His people.
We understand this as an eternal rest in the peace and love of God.
But it also begins here on earth.
As we end the day and prepare to sleep, let us ask for forgiveness for our sins.
May we be at peace with God and with others, and may God bless us with a good rest and a peaceful sleep.