The Gospel reading is from Lk 5:17-26 . It is the famous episode of a paralyzed man whose friends tear open a roof to in order to lower him down to Jesus hoping for a healing.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
“As for you, your sins are forgiven.” (v. 20)
“Jesus sees their faith manifest in their actions. The paralyzed man and those carrying him have come to Jesus so that he may be healed. They refused to let anything keep them away from Jesus — not the crowd, not even a solid roof. Their determination is a reflection of their faith, their confidence that Jesus will heal the paralyzed man. Jesus responds to those who come to him in faith. He said, ‘As for you, your sins are forgiven.‘ He addresses the paralyzed man, but instead of healing him of his paralysis, he pronounces that his sins have been forgiven.
“Jesus’ words raise questions. Are the man’s sins the cause of his paralysis? Sin can lead to sickness or infirmity (see 1 Cor 11:29-30). but sickness or afflictions are not infallible indicators of sin (see 13:1-5; John 9:2-3). By granting the man forgiveness rather than healing. Jesus indicates that the man’s greatest need is release from the paralysis of sin, but Jesus does not indicate that the man’s sins are the cause of his physical paralysis.” (George Martin, Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life: Insight & Inspiration, 145)
I am reminded in this episode of Jesus’ talking about faith to move mountains (see Mt 17:20). Well, these guys may not have moved a mountain, but they certainly engaged in a difficult and unorthodox measure to help their friend due to their faith in what the believed Jesus; could do for him. It is edifying what they were willing and able to do to be with Jesus.
Nevertheless, today, so many Catholics cannot be bothered to go in their cozy cars to Mass once a week. And Confession, to hear those glorious words of absolution from a priest who (by God’s grace and due to their ordination, has the charism to act in the person of Christ) “has authority on earth to forgive sins” (see v. 24)? Perish the thought! We are able to encounter Jesus in all the sacraments, yet the faith of many is so weak, that they won’t take advantage of these great gifts, simple, easy, and accessible as they are. Let us pray for their return to the practice of the Faith, so that we all would have this attitude at Mass and in the confessional:
Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God,
and, struck with awe, they said,
“We have seen incredible things today.” (v. 26)
God bless.
Unworthy Servant 