When Jesus came again to Capernaum after some days, people heard
he was in the house. People gathered until there was no more room, not even
around the door, and he taught them. Four people came, carrying a paralytic.
When they could not come inside, they made a hole in the roof, and let down the
mat that the paralytic was lying on. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the
paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Some of the scribes sitting there were saying in their
hearts, “Why does this man speak such blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God
alone?”
Jesus, perceiving in his spirit what they were thinking, said
to them, “Why do you think these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to
tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your
bed, and walk?’ But that you may know the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I tell you, arise, take up your mat,
and go to your house.”
He arose, and took up his mat, and went out in front of them
all; the crowd was amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen
anything like this!”
Reflections
We don’t know much about this man
except that he had a home, a bed, a disability – and four great friends!
Everything that happens in this story follows Jesus seeing the faith of these
friends. It isn’t very helpful for friends to say, “Let me know if there’s
anything I can do.” Far better for friends to take initiative like those in
this story. Do you have friends like that? Are you a friend like that to
others?
Prayer:
Show me what to do, Lord, when my friends are in need of help.
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