June 12th - Reflection

Luke 5:17-26 (NRSV)

Jesus forgives sins and heals

One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, "Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the one who was paralyzed - "I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home." Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

Reflection
We have seen some strange things today! Jesus not only forgives sins but he also heals. We are commanded to forgive one another. We can all do this. We can forgive one another and give the gift of grace that God has freely given to us. We can forgive and choose to love even those who have hurt us. It may not be easy. And at times we will think that we can't do this. But in reality...we can...if we choose.

But how do you get to this point of choosing to forgive? First look inward for a moment and see what God has forgiven in you...then focus outwards to that cross and see those gathered with you that have likewise been forgiven. Then forgive each other. Focus on that cross and your peripheral vision will permit you to see the love and compassion that surrounds this cross. Forgive one another and get up healed and go out into the world in love and compassion.

We can forgive one another. Which is easier? To forgive or heal? Don't worry about it! Forgive and be healed! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I need both your forgiveness and your healing. Heal my hardened heart that I may live in your love and compassion and go out into the Kingdom to forgive another. --- Amen