and said to the paralytic, “Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven.” Some teachers of the law
said within themselves, “This man insults God.” Jesus was aware of what they were thinking;
and said, “Why have you such evil thoughts? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven’
or ‘Stand up and walk’? But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to
forgive sins,” he said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up! Take your stretcher and go home!”
The man got up, and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and
praised God for giving such power to human beings.
Reflect
Some texts in the Bible are downright disturbing. Today’s first reading is undeniably one of
them. Each character in the story faces such painful emotions. Isaac must be terrified and
feel betrayed. Can you imagine facing death at the hands of your beloved father? Abraham
must be profoundly sick at heart. The child he had longed for was now to be taken from him
by the God who had made his birth possible. How would God fulfill his promise to make
Abraham a great nation through Isaac if Isaac died in his youth? What would Abraham tell
Sarah when he returned home without Isaac?
As disturbing as this story is, it remains a testament to God’s unfailing love and fidelity.
Confident in Abraham’s faithfulness, God saves Isaac and renews his promise. God
reaches out to stay the knife in Abraham’s hand and provides a ram for the burnt offering.
Because Abraham obeys God, his descendants will be a blessing for all peoples.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023