Sunday, March 8th 10:30 a.m.

2nd Sunday of Great Lent – St. Gregory Palamas

A lesson in seeing what cannot be seen.

Today the Church remembers Gregory Palamas, who defended a profound truth of the Christian life: that God is not distant or abstract, but truly shares His life and light with us.

The readings today echo that promise.

 Epistle — Hebrews 1:10–14; 2:1–3

Christ is revealed as the eternal Lord — the One who laid the foundations of the earth and whose salvation we must not neglect. The writer urges us to pay careful attention to what we have received, because the gift of salvation is no small thing.

 Gospel — Mark 2:1–12

Four friends carry a paralyzed man to Christ, lowering him through the roof when the crowd blocks the door. Seeing their faith, Jesus first forgives the man’s sins — then heals his body. The miracle reveals what only God can do: forgive, restore, and raise a person to new life.

The Church pairs this Gospel with the memory of St. Gregory Palamas to remind us that the healing Christ offers is not merely symbolic.

Through Him, humanity truly encounters the living God.

Grace is not an idea.

It is God Himself reaching toward us.

All are welcome. Come and see.