The Gospel according to Matthew (9:1-8)
He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.
Reflection:
As a child I remember how I could go to my mother for any problem, issue, or need. I was certain she would have a solution or could provide what I lacked. Funny how when we get older this trust and confidence seems to diminish. As I got older, I went to my mother less and tried working things out on my own. Sometimes I would hide my problems for fear of my mother’s reaction. It wasn’t until I became much older that I realized how much my mom cared and always wanted what was best for me.
Today’s Gospel reminds me of how we sometimes struggle with our faith and forget we can come to God for any need or problem. We try to work things out on our own and more often than not end up in a dead end or make matters worse. Why do we doubt the goodness of the Lord? Is it that we lack faith or maybe we become so used to living with the disability of sin that we don’t even realize we need healing.
When we approach Jesus with a sincere heart and with the faith of a child we open ourselves to his restorative love. The healing of the paralytic is a reminder that sin and trying to do it our own way will paralyze even the most devout and pious person. Through the grace and power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, and trust in God’s willingness to forgive can we recover what is lost. We can follow the request of Jesus when he tells us to pick up our mat and go home. Not our literal home but home with the Father and communion with the Body of Christ
Action of the day:
There are various ways to address sin in our lives. There is prayer, the general absolution we receive during the Penitential Act in mass, but nothing can repalce the gift of restoration we receive in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Maybe it’s time to go back. If not, then pray for those who may need forgiveness and struggle to seek the peace, only God can give, to heal a broken heart.
Audio Reflection:
