One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of Mary” – Readings: Eccli 36:18, Ps 121:1, 1 Cor. 1:4-8, Matt 9:1-8
Then He said to the paralytic – Arise, take up your pallet and go to your house. And he arose, and went away to his house.
Matt 9:1-8
REFLECTION –The incurable paralytic was lying on his stretcher. Having exhausted medical art he was carried by his relatives to the only true physician: the physician who comes from heaven. But when he had been set down in front of the one who could cure him it was his faith that drew the Lord’s attention. To demonstrate that this faith destroyed sin, Jesus immediately said: “Your sins are forgiven.” Now perhaps you will say to me: “This man wanted to be cured of his sickness, so why did Christ make known to him the remission of his sins?” This was so you might learn that God sees a person’s heart in silence, soundlessly, and beholds the paths of all the living. For, as scripture says: “Each one’s ways are plain to the Lord’s sight; all their paths he surveys”.
All the same, when Christ said: “Your sins are forgiven”, he left the field open to the incredulity of those standing by; the forgiveness of sins cannot be seen by eyes of flesh. So when the paralytic stood up and walked, he gave proof that Christ possesses the power of God.
Who has this power? He alone, or ourselves too? We also have it along with him. He, on his part, forgives sins because he is both man and God and Lord of the Law. But we, on our side, have received this splendid and wonderful grace from him since it was his will to give this power to all humankind. For he said to the apostles: “Whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”. And again: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”
St Cyril of Alexandria
PRAYER – God our Father, Your rule is a rule of love, Your providence is full of mercy for Your people. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Word made flesh and His sorrowful Mother, grant the spirit of wisdom and understanding in Your Word, Your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by the healing Word our repentant hearts may know our way to our eternal home and strive to attain eternal joy there with You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.
