The healing of the Paralyzed Man
ISAIAH 35:1–10; PSALM 85; LUKE 5:17–26
Isaiah tells us that “the Lord will come and save his people. The lame shall walk, the blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, the barren lands shall become prosperous, and dry lands shall be watered.” Jesus demonstrates and fulfills this mission in the healing of the Paralyzed man in the gospel reading of today.
Jesus expresses his authority to forgive sins. The gospel says that, recognizing the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends, Jesus declares, “Your sins are forgiven.” This demonstrates Jesus’ authority not only over physical ailments but also over spiritual matters.
The gospel also speaks about the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends. They went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. This is why it’s good to surround ourselves with genuine friends who are believers. When there are challenges, they will make an intercession on your behalf.
Still in the gospel, the Pharisees and teachers of the law criticized Jesus for claiming the authority to forgive sins. This shows their resistance to accepting Jesus’ divine authority and challenges us to examine our own openness to God’s work in unexpected ways. Oftentimes, we are quick to criticize what we don’t understand.
Jesus’ knows our innermost thoughts. The gospel tells us that he perceived the thoughts of the Pharisees. He demonstrates his knowledge of hearts and thoughts. This reflects His divine omniscience and challenges us to recognize that nothing is hidden from God. Let your thoughts be pleasing to God.
Let us pray
May our prayer of petition rise before you, we pray, O Lord, that, with purity unblemished, we, your servants, may come, as we desire, to celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
