When Jesus returned to Capernaum, news of his arrival spread rapidly and a large crowd gathered at the house where he stayed.

Unable to enter the house, a group of four men carrying a paralysed man on a stretcher climbed onto the roof, tore part of it aside, and lowered the paralytic to the floor in front of Jesus.

Jesus said to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”.

Experts in the law, who were present, immediately accused Jesus of blaspheming saying, only God can forgive sins.

Jesus answered them with a question saying, “Which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven or arise and walk?” Then, to prove to them that He was the Son of God and could forgive sins, he turned to the paralytic and said, “Stand up, take your stretcher and walk“. The man stood upright, picked up his stretcher and began praising God. (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, John 5:8-9a)

THOUGHT

A merciful and loving Jesus gave us the great Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Sadly, we all sin against God but Jesus, understanding our weaknesses invited us to repent and in return, he would grant forgiveness.

God is a merciful God, He loves us.

REFLECTION

Loving Father, heal our illnesses, forgive us our sins and strengthen our faith in you. We make this prayer through your loving Son, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: FAITH (ST BENEDICT)

Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.