Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Lino Nicasio SVD – National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus, Manila
Thursday 13th Week in Ordinary Time
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A dog wags its tail at us and we smile; somebody pleasantly greets us and we are happy. For every action there is a reaction. We see this happening in today’s gospel. Jesus meets people who bring a paralytic to Him, and seeing their faith. He responds: “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”
Why does Jesus say that, instead of “Courage, child, your paralysis is healed”? After all, that’s what the sick man and the people expect. Jesus, who knows what people are thinking, must have read the thoughts of the paralytic who, in all probability, is not only asking Jesus for healing, but for forgiveness as well. The lesson here is: Jesus encourages everyone who comes to Him.
But what about the healing? Jesus delays that to show the naysayers (scribes) and unbelievers that as Son of God He has the power to forgive sins – proven by performing the healing miracle for the repentant paralytic.
And what about us? First, just as the people care enough to bring the paralytic to Jesus, we too can show a similar concern for others: we can pray for them, invite them to join us in church or prayer events, or have priests anoint the sick.
Moreover just as Jesus forgave the repentant paralytic, we too can receive forgiveness from Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And realizing that Jesus knows our thoughts, let’s make sure that these are always pleasing to the Lord.
Jesus likes it when we approach Him with faith; and when we do so we can be sure that not only will He give us courage, but abundant blessings as well. For whoever approaches the Lord never leaves empty-handed.
