"Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid." -- Lady Bird Johnson
Mark is wasting no time in letting the Jews know that Jesus' presence in the world is a new beginning in salvation history. In this story of the paralytic, Mark portrays Jesus as doing what they believed only God can do. First, Jesus forgives the man's sins. In the Hebrew mind, only God can forgive sins and then only after confession, repentance and a sacrificial offering. Second, Jesus calls the man "son," again something only God can do. Third, Jesus reads the man's mind and heart. The Hebrews believed only God can do that also. And finally, Jesus heals the paralytic. Jesus is more than just a good man or a faith healer.
Jesus is exhibiting the love and forgiveness of God that is always available to us. When we know someone loves and forgives us, we breathe a sigh of relief; and we are healed. We in turn can forgive others. Forgiveness is 70% of the gospel stories, and mutual forgiveness is the only way we will have peace in our minds and hearts.
Lent starts Wednesday. While it is good discipline for ouselves to "give up something," we might do better to be like the friends of the paralytic in today's gospel and do what we can for each other. We can be aware and look for opportunities to lift someone's spirit or help in some way, having faith that our actions might heal and bring someone closer to God.
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, September 1, 2008
August 24, 2008
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." --- Constitution of UNESCO
"Who do you say that I am?" was Jesus' question to the disciples. Others had been saying who Jesus was, but it was important to Jesus that he knew what the disciples believed. It's also Jesus' question to us. The strength of our faith will relate directly to how we answer Jesus' question. It doesn't matter so much how other people answer. Each person has to think about it and decide what he/she believes.
Peter is so human. Sometimes he believed and sometimes he doubted. But he always came back to Jesus. Even after saying Jesus was the Messiah in this week's gospel, the time will come in the courtyard when he is asked if he knows Jesus. Peter will deny him three times. But he will go back, receive Jesus' forgiveness and become a leader of the early church. Forgiveness is central to the Christian life because we are all human and make mistakes. The important thing is that we do not despair as Judas did but return to Jesus, be forgiven and continue our journeys.
The commission Jesus gave Peter in this chapter of Matthew's gospel will be given to the whole church in Ch. 18. We are all to forgive and be forgiven so we can be a community of faith in Jesus and empowered to be of service to our brother and sisters.
"Who do you say that I am?" was Jesus' question to the disciples. Others had been saying who Jesus was, but it was important to Jesus that he knew what the disciples believed. It's also Jesus' question to us. The strength of our faith will relate directly to how we answer Jesus' question. It doesn't matter so much how other people answer. Each person has to think about it and decide what he/she believes.
Peter is so human. Sometimes he believed and sometimes he doubted. But he always came back to Jesus. Even after saying Jesus was the Messiah in this week's gospel, the time will come in the courtyard when he is asked if he knows Jesus. Peter will deny him three times. But he will go back, receive Jesus' forgiveness and become a leader of the early church. Forgiveness is central to the Christian life because we are all human and make mistakes. The important thing is that we do not despair as Judas did but return to Jesus, be forgiven and continue our journeys.
The commission Jesus gave Peter in this chapter of Matthew's gospel will be given to the whole church in Ch. 18. We are all to forgive and be forgiven so we can be a community of faith in Jesus and empowered to be of service to our brother and sisters.
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