Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to his hometown. Here, they brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. Jesus saw their faith and said to the paralytic, “Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven.”
Some teachers of the law said within themselves, “This man insults God.” Jesus was aware of what they were thinking; and said, “Why have you such evil thoughts? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up! Take your stretcher and go home!” The man got up, and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised God for giving such power to human beings.

Reflections
“Your sins are forgiven.”
Yesterday’s gospel reading is implicit in announcing that God is love embodied in Jesus and that Jesus is the embodiment of this love. In today’s reading, a dimension of the love of God in Jesus is revealed, that is forgiveness. Jesus is not only able to forgive sins, but He is the embodiment, the bringer of the forgiving love of God. He is forgiveness sent to the world, made present in the world.
The reign of God is a condition wherein forgiveness fills the heart of humanity. It is not difficult to see if forgiveness pervades the human community. And we can easily determine its presence or absence; we only have to observe and be attentive. A test of love, kindness and gentleness is forgiveness. It can never be absent in love, kindness and gentleness; it is a function of these three. The presence of forgiveness heals the deepest of wounds, and its absence inflames the slightest hurt. Forgiveness reconciles; it reconnects. While it breaks human barriers, it also rebuilds and recreates. It brings peace to the mind and heart.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019