Today’s gospel reading is taken from Mark (chapter 2, verses 1-12).  This is the story of the paralytic whose helpers break through the roof of Jesus’ home in order to have Him heal their friend.  What struck me was that Jesus forgave the man’s sins before effecting a physical healing.  It seems to me that this is the template the sick and suffering must follow in order to find true healing.    But, notice the prerequisite: “Jesus saw their faith.”  When we encounter illness, pain, discouragement, or desperation, it is imperative that faith-filled prayer for forgiveness be our first recourse.  Accepting whatever the Lord’s will for a material outcome, if we realize the overriding importance of being right spiritually with God, we will be at peace.