MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 2023
Luke 5, 17-26
“Some men came, carrying a paralytic on a stretcher, and they were trying to carry him in to place him before Jesus…. And Jesus said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven”.
The scribes and the Pharisees began to think, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God? But Jesus said to the paralytic, “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go home. And he arose at once, and in their sight he took up the stretcher on which he was lying and went home, giving glory to God.
In today’s Gospel there are several characters who also represent four different attitudes:
– First, Jesus. And, as always, forgiving, healing, restoring the broken dignity of man. In this case, of a paralysed man.
– Secondly, friends who render the sick man a great service, overcoming all kinds of obstacles so that the sick friend can meet Jesus.
– The paralytic, who fulfils Jesus’ command: “Get up, take your mat and go home”.
– And finally, the learned men. They look at the rules rather than rejoice at the healing of a sick man. They censure Jesus for the healing that has been realised.
+ Which of the four attitudes do you identify with most?
+ How will you work today to identify yourself better with the attitudes of Jesus, the paralytic and his friends?
Good day to you.
Antonio Sanjuan Cmf
