A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 9:1-8
(Glory to you O Lord!)
After entering a boat, Jesus 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 men.
The Gospel of the Lord (Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!).
Reflection: We have a great God of mercy!
What a miracle we have just read and heard! Such awe, such wonder must have been felt by all who witnessed the healing of a man who was a paralytic. Someone who was unable to get up from bed, from a lying down position, or even care for themselves, unable to work, or move around. Their state must have felt like a death sentence. Such hardships this man must have gone through, unable to provide for himself or his family.
And what amazement and astonishment he must have felt as he lay on the stretcher, as well as for the people carrying him, as Jesus does something they do not expect. Jesus could see and feel the intentions of their minds and hearts, their great faith in Him. They all believed that Jesus can heal their friend.
What does Jesus do first? Jesus forgives them of their sins. Jesus showed to them that he is no ordinary human being, but the son of God! Our Lord saw their great faith! They did not formally ask for forgiveness, they did not need get on their knees or pray. All they did was to care for and look after the well-being of their friend by first telling him about Jesus, then they carried him on a stretcher to Jesus. Full of hope, full of trust and faith to present their friend for healing, and our merciful Lord forgave their sins on the spot. What a beautiful example of love, compassion, kindness and faith, as Jesus heals heals their friend!
Brothers and sisters! We have a great God of mercy! Always trust in our Lord Jesus! The creator of the universe knew us even before we were born in this world! He knows all about our challenges, struggles, our needs, and what we are going through. Always have faith and trust in our Lord Jesus! Allow Him to prompt and guide us daily through our minds and hearts. Lift up our needs and follow him! We have a loving God of great mercy who is always ready to show us the way towards holiness, and the joy and peace of eternity with Him.
Action for the Day:
Spend 20 minutes of quiet time with our Lord Jesus. Share our gratitude, our joys, our challenges, our shortcomings, as well as our needs and petitions to Him. We have a loving and merciful savior.
Lord Jesus, you know our needs even before we ask you about them. We lift up our petitions to you, especially for the healing of our dear friends, and relatives. Kindly grant us the grace of your presence always, and the joy of your peace. Amen.
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