The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011626.cfm Father Chris Alar, MIC, draws us into the dramatic Gospel scene of the paralytic lowered before Jesus and reveals why this passage speaks so clearly of the Sacraments of the Church. What Jesus responds to first is not the man’s condition, but faith — specifically, the faith of those carrying him. “When Jesus saw their faith” (Mk 2:5; NABRE), He forgives sins before He heals the body.

Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains the Catholic teaching concerning these two Sacraments that we often forget or speak so little about and why they are critical in today's world.