Mark 2:1–12
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some
days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there
was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking
the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man,
carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of
the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith,
he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of
the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does
this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God
alone?" At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing
these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise
such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your
sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? But so
that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive
sins"—he said to the paralytic—"I say to you, stand up, take your mat
and go to your home." And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and
went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God,
saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Reflection
l Can I think of all the good causes that gather people and pray for
the faith, hope and courage of all who support others in their need?
l Can I listen to Jesus speak to me forgiving my sins?