Today is the Fourth Sunday of Pascha, the Sunday of the Paralytic. Fr. Gregory focuses on the Gospel reading, in which Christ heals a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus commands the man, saying, “Arise, take up your bed, and walk,” and the man does. Fr. Gregory points out that walking is one of our most basic forms of communication as humans. Throughout gait, posture, and speed, we form a sort of “personal signature.” Likewise in Scripture, walking is used as a metaphor for a way of life. Fr. Gregory challenges us to follow Christ in our walk, living our lives according to the ways of the Church through prayer, almsgiving, reading Scripture, attending church, and confession. As the paralytic, we can obey Christ to get up and walk — and continue walking with him all the way to heaven.
