By Shiju Joseph, CSC –
Readings: Gen 22: 1b-19; Mt 9:1-8
When the paralytic was brought to him, Jesus’ first response was to heal him of his spiritual and emotional trauma by saying, “courage my son, your sins are forgiven.” It was only later, and only as an illustration of the power of God, that his paralysis was healed by Jesus.
If God were to ask me to choose between forgiveness of my sins and healing of my paralysis, I wonder what I would choose. Jesus made a choice for the paralytic first by demonstrating his power to forgive sins, and then to heal illnesses.
What would I want from Jesus when I am in his presence helpless and dependent on his mercy? Would I first recognize my need for spiritual and emotional wholeness before my body can begin to heal? When I go to him in prayer, would I primarily seek forgiveness of my sins and the courage that can only from God? Would the confidence that I am right with God be more important to me than my physical inadequacies?