The Gospel presents a man described as “full of leprosy.” Not partially wounded. Not mildly afflicted. Completely sick. And yet this is the man who is healed — because he approaches Jesus correctly. Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, explains that Scripture reveals three responses to spiritual leprosy. The first is pride: refusing to see one’s own sin while accusing everyone else. This leprosy cannot be healed because it denies the wound. The second is despair: seeing the sin clearly but believing mercy is impossible. This leprosy turns inward and never reaches the Physician.

Fr. Anthony Gramlich explores the healing of the paralyzed man in Mark 2, showing how the mercy of Jesus often reaches us through the love and faith of others. When we feel stuck or spiritually paralyzed, it’s okay to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ—because sometimes, it takes a community to carry us to healing.

Father Anthony uses the story of Jonah’s jealousy to remind us to check our hearts and rejoice in God’s blessings for others.