After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.
At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,
This man is blaspheming.
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,
Why do you harbor evil thoughts?
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
But that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins—
he then said to the paralytic,
Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.
He rose and went home.
When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe
and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
— Matthew 9:1-8
The peace of the Lord be with you. Today in our scripture readings Jesus makes it very clear who and what he is. Jesus is the son of the living God, and as such, he has the authority to carry out the will of the Father. As such Jesus also makes it abundantly clear his purpose is to heal us and forgive us of our sins. As the sons and daughters of God, are we prepared to recognize God’s authority and carry out the work he has set before us?
Good and gracious Father we thank you for this day of life and for the talents that you have given to us. Help us to be like Jesus, to hear and respond to your will that your kingdom may come, and be visibly present here among us. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.