Homily on the Sunday of the Paralytic

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Borys Gudziak delivered a homily on the Sunday of the Paralytic, during the Paschal season, as the faithful gathered for prayer and the traditional Paschal meal, Sviachene.

Reflecting on the Gospel account of the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, the Archbishop drew attention to the man’s 38 years of waiting for healing. He noted that this period recalls the years the people of Israel spent in the desert, explaining that after an initial stage of their journey, a lack of trust led to a prolonged period of wandering lasting 38 years before entering the Promised Land.

Referring to the five porticoes of the pool, the Archbishop explained their connection to the five books of the Law, emphasizing that the law alone does not bring salvation. He stressed that the paralytic is healed not through ritual or circumstance, but through a direct encounter with Jesus Christ. 

Focusing on Christ’s question, “Do you want to be healed?”, Archbishop Gudziak pointed to the response of the paralytic, who speaks about having no one to bring him to the water. This, he noted, reveals a reliance on external conditions rather than on Christ Himself. 

The Archbishop underscored that salvation is not the result of a formula or external observance, but comes through a personal encounter with Christ, who meets each person in their concrete situation.

Addressing the faithful, he invited them to reflect on areas of their own lives where they may feel “paralyzed,” noting that such conditions may persist for many years. He encouraged them to turn to Christ, who alone brings healing.

Concluding his homily, Archbishop Gudziak called the faithful to live the Paschal season as people renewed by the Resurrection and to remain open to Christ’s action in their lives.