Daily Word Of God
Luke 5:17a, 18-22a. 23-25
Jesus was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law, who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. ‘Who is this man, talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’
But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.’ And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- The friends of the paralytic were doing the work of mercy by bringing him to Jesus for healing.
- When was the last time you visited someone who was sick, aged and in need?
- Our faith in the Lord has to be strengthened and renewed not only through your prayers and participation in the Eucharist, but also in works of mercy as the Lord has special care for the poor and needy.