MONDAY 9 DECEMBER
Luke 5, 17-26:
“Some men came who were bringing a paralytic on a stretcher and trying to bring him in to place him in front of Jesus… And Jesus said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven”… The scribes and Pharisees thought, “Who is this that blasphemes? Who can forgive sins more than God? But Jesus said to the paralytic: “I say to you, stand up, take up your stretcher and go home”. He got up on his feet, in their sight, took the stretcher where 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 of all, Jesus. And, as always, forgiving, healing, restoring man’s broken dignity. In this case, a paralytic.
– In the second place, some friends who provide the sick a great service, overcoming all kinds of obstacles, so that the sick friend can meet Jesus.
– The paralytic, who strictly fulfills Jesus’ command: “Get up, take your stretcher and go home”.
– And, finally, the learned: They focus on the rules rather than rejoice in the healing of a sick man. They censor Jesus for the healing he has accomplished.
+ Which of the four attitudes do you identify with the most?
+ How are you going to work today to identify yourself more with the attitudes of Jesus, the paralytic and his friends?
Good day.
Antonio María Sanjuán Marín, cmf
