The Gospel Proclamation When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ... they removed the roof above him, ... they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. ... “Son your sins are forgiven.” .... “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ... “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” he said to the paralytic “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” .....
Prayerful Awareness If we picture the scene, we can assume that the paralytic is a man in his twenties. The man has obviously been coaxed by his friends to appear before Jesus and he has agreed. Jesus admires the faith of the paralytic’s friends; the Holy Spirit reveals to Jesus that the man is paralyzed by fear of some sin he has committed in addition to his physical state. So Jesus addresses the man thus “My son your sins are forgiven”. The people living at the time of Jesus attributed sickness to be a punishment from God and the young man was entertaining wrong thoughts, that he will never be forgiven. Jesus’ words put him at rest. The paradigm shift introduced by Jesus is not picked up by the common folk. But the Pharisees and the learned question this in their minds. Moses’ Law taught sin offerings as a way of finding peace with God and here is a man, insulting the whole fabric of the Law. The Holy Spirit once again reveals the thinking of these learned men to Jesus; and He proceeds with the miracle of physical healing.
Gaze at Jesus There is only one sin, that God will not forgive and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. So taught Jesus. God knows the thoughts of every person on earth and Jesus on the Cross is waiting to forgive the repentant sinner.
Gaze at my sonship I remember a time when I too was gripped with fear. But praise be to the Lord Jesus I know my sins are forgiven. I have realized the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to look into the eyes of Jesus in the form of the priest and confess my thought processes. I get up confident that I am forgiven and healed spiritually, mentally and physically.
Prayer Starter Lord I am not worthy that You should enter me; say but the word and my soul shall be healed.
