In today’s gospel we read an example of both faith and forgiveness. The people of the town fully believe Jesus will heal the paralyzed man. But, rather than Jesus first healing the man’s paralysis, Jesus forgives his sins. Jesus heals the man’s soul before healing his body.
Today’s gospel reminds us that healing internally should be our priority. When we seek forgiveness for our sins, we begin to cultivate a place for Jesus to dwell and grow within us. In seeking forgiveness we can imitate the faith of the town’s people and truly believe that Jesus will and does forgive. We must have faith in Jesus’ healing mercy.
Is there someone I need to forgive today? Is there some family situation which I need to heal?
—Samantha Grady is currently completing her Masters in Theology degree at Loyola University Chicago.