Healing of a Paralytic

Gospel Mt 9:1-8 and Lk 5:17-26

A few days later, Jesus entered Capernaum again. The word spread that he was at home, and so many people gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door. He was preaching the word to them. Some men came bringing a paralytic to him, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above where Jesus was and lowered the mat the paralytic was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic:

--"Son, your sins are forgiven."

Now some teachers of the Law were sitting there, thinking to themselves:

"Why does this fellow talk like that? It's blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them:

--"Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."

Then he said to the paralytic:

--"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."

He got up, took his mat immediately and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying:

--"We have never seen anything like this!"

QUESTIONS AND POINTS FOR REFLECTION

1. Spiritual Paralysis: Before healing the paralytic's legs, Jesus heals his soul by saying: "Son, have confidence, your sins are forgiven." Sometimes we feel "paralyzed" by fear, shame, or selfishness. What are the things today that do not let you walk freely toward God?

2. The Faith of Friends: The text says that Jesus acted "seeing their faith" (referring to those carrying the mat). In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the sponsor plays a similar role. Who are the people who have "carried" or accompanied you in faith when you didn't have the strength to do it alone?

3. The Power to Forgive: The teachers of the Law thought Jesus was blaspheming because "only God can forgive sins." Jesus proves His divinity with a visible act (the healing). How do you value the Sacrament of Penance (Confession)? Do you truly believe that God's forgiveness gives you a new life to "get up and walk"?

4. Get Up and Walk: Jesus asks the paralytic to take his mat and go home. Confirmation is a call to action. What concrete commitments do you think Jesus is asking of you today to "get up" and be an active Christian in your family or with your friends?

5. The Reaction of the People: Seeing the miracle, the people "glorified God, who had given such authority to men." How can your way of living and speaking help other people know God and give Him thanks? What image of a Christian do you want to project after your Confirmation?