July 5, 2018

Gospel: Mt 9:1-8
Jesus got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to his hometown. Here, they brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. Jesus saw their faith 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.

Reflections
Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven As Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic, the Pharisees accuse him of blasphemy, for God alone forgives sins. While the evil spirits recognized Jesus’ identity as God’s Son, the Pharisees did not. Then Jesus makes the paralytic walk which astonishes everyone. Jesus, however, did not perform miracles to prove himself but to attend to the needs of the afflicted. How easily we are tempted to call attention to ourselves and our talents that others might admire us. Let us ask for the grace of humility that our good works point others to God, the source of all goodness.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018