Gospel: Mt 9: 1-8
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.
JESUS SAW THEIR FAITH: It is interesting to see in our readings how different people connect with God. Abraham does not ask any questions, he just takes the instructions and obeys as commanded. Those who brought the paralyzed man, connected with Jesus in faith while the scribes, remained with their doubt and evil thoughts. Nevertheless, Jesus hears and understands all the movements in our hearts; good or bad. He listens to our hearts. At times we only try to communicate with Jesus with our mouths and external gestures forgetting that he listens to our hearts and understands even the unexpressed feelings, wounds, paralysis, doubts, thoughts and aspirations. Aware of how much we need His healing touch, we are invited to recognize his presence in our hearts and to connect with him in faith, asking for his forgiveness and healing.
PRAYER: Through our participation in the Eucharist, may we draw nearer to Christ who heals and strengthens us on our journey.
DAILY GOSPEL 