The Healing of a Paralytic

Today's Reflections

The Healing of a Paralytic 

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Mt 9:1-8

¹[Jesus] entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. ²And 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.” ³At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” ⁴Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? ⁵Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶But 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.” ⁷He rose and went home. ⁸When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.

Reflection:

When Jesus saw their faith. The Gospel shows faith in the midst of unbelief. There is the faith of the paralytic in those who bring him to Jesus. There is also the faith of those people in Jesus whom they consider as the answer to their needs, who alone can heal. Jesus recognizes their concern and faith. This faith on a stretcher leads closer to God who brings about healing.

On the other hand, the scribes manifest their unbelief through their negative reaction. They cannot accept the paralytic who is healed and forgiven and Jesus who heals and forgives. The scribes fail to recognize that Jesus heals in the same manner that God heals and he can also forgive in the same way that God forgives. He is the Messiah, truly the Son of God. So the scribes prove themselves spiritually paralyzed and lacking in faith.

Who are those people in your life

whom you have to bring closer to God?

Who are those to whom you have to give

attention, affection, and forgiveness?