Daily Mass Reflections - 7/5
“The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.” ~ Marianne Williamson
At first glance it would appear as though today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:1-8) focuses primarily on Jesus assuming the role of healer, and in some respects it certainly does. But it is really Jesus establishing His authority to forgive sins that takes center stage....and all too predictably stirs up the ire of the scribes on hand. Upon reading their hearts, Jesus has this to say:
"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."
We’re told that those who witnessed this were “struck with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to a man.”
Jesus essentially uses his healing power to underscore the importance of repentance. Or as our Gospel Acclimation today so perfectly and succinctly states, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
Forgiveness and healing, we come to learn, go hand in hand; always have, always will. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and of course forgiving others, regardless of the gravity of their sin committed against us, the door to healing and forgiveness are open and the dazzling light of the Holy Spirit shines just a little brighter.
As always, I welcome your thoughts pertaining to today’s Readings in the Comments Section below and don’t forget, tomorrow is First Friday. Leave all prayer intentions below and I will bring them with me to Mass.
