They were sitting there, while the power of the Lord was at work to heal the sick. Then
some men brought a paralyzed man who lay on his mat. They tried to enter the house to
place him before Jesus, but they couldn’t find a way through the crowd. So they went up
on the roof, and, removing the tiles, they lowered him on his mat into the middle of
the crowd, in front of Jesus.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.“ At
once the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to wonder, “This man insults
God! Who can forgive sins, but God alone?“ But Jesus knew their thoughts and asked
them, “Why are you reacting like this? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven’
or ‘Get up and walk’? Now you shall know, that the Son of Man has authority on earth
to forgive sins.“ And Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go
home.“ At once, the man stood before them. He took up the mat he had been lying on,
and went home praising God. Amazement seized the people and they praised God.
Reflect
The beginning of this decade focused almost entirely on the global pandemic which
reshaped life around the world. In light of that experience, it is much easier for us to
understand the need for healing. This need goes beyond the healing of those with the
coronavirus or other illnesses. The pressures of contemporary life have highlighted the
importance of healing our minds. The division we experience in all aspects of life shows
the need to heal relationships. The increase in extreme weather and natural disasters
demonstrate the need to heal the planet.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies the day when God will come to bring that healing
to our lives and to our planet. In the Gospel, Jesus brings physical and spiritual healing to a
man who was paralyzed. We look forward to the day when Isaiah’s prophecy will be fulfilled.
While we wait, we do what we can to bring healing to our hearts, our relationships, and our
planet. Small acts of sacrifice and forgiveness can make all the difference.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023