Thursday July 6, 2023

Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus got in the boat, crossed the water and came to his own town. Then some people appeared, bringing him a paralytic stretched out on a bed.

I want you to read the rest of this beautiful passage. It is a fascinating healing story. Pay particular attention to what actually heals this bedridden fellow. My first impression is this community that this person lives in. They saw his struggle and they were bothered enough to carry him to Jesus. In another account, they climbed to the roof of the house, split it open and lowered the chap down to Jesus. That seems like a Rabbouni Catholic Community kinda faith. This passage invites me to be troubled enough and carry someone. Have you brought someone to the Lord in prayer lately. Have you visited. Come to think of it, I am guilty of not visiting, of not checking in. I pray I become better with that.

Secondly how is he healed? Not a prayer, not a laying on of hands. He is simply told, “your sins are forgiven, rise and go.” Guilt over a past sin can paralyze your life. Listen, you are human, things happen. So forgive yourself and leave the past behind. He was held back by this sense that God was mad with him. To sin to error is human, and to forgive is divine. The Divine has spoken, now make those words true for yourself and move on. Your sins are forgiven, rise and go