Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." 

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 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.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is presented with a paralytic man.  Seeing his truth faith, Jesus says to the man, " Courage, child, your sins are forgiven."  The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy because only God has the power to forgive sins.  Jesus questions them, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”  To prove his heavenly authority, Jesus performs a visible miracle and heals the man of his physical aliment to demonstrate his heavenly authority.  Before the paralytic man’s physical affliction could be healed, Jesus had to cleanse his soul.  Because the man was truly faithful and sorrowful for his sins, his sins were forgiven. 

 

What is Jesus really trying conveying in his actions?  What is worse being unable to move because of a physical paralysis or being afflicted with the sins of our life.  Ours sins are a far greater affliction then any physical handicap we may have because only our sins can keep us from uniting with our Father in Heaven.  Jesus demonstrates his heavenly authority by both forgiving the man of his sins and healing him of his earthly affliction.  Not only is God forgiving, but God is compassionate and loving.  Only the Grace of God can bring us freedom from the sins which cripple us.  During reconciliation and a true examination of conscience, we ask God to heal us and to make our souls whole again.  You should make every effort to go to reconciliation at least twice a year.  Examining your conscience everyday will help you become aware of the afflictions that are crippling your soul and allow you to free yourself from their bondage.  Only through these acts can you rise and walk again with God and be freed of these sins.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father in Heaven, forgive me for I am a sinner.

Through your love and compassion, free me from the bondage of my sins.

Allow the Holy Spirit to enter my soul burn away the sins that keep me from you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon