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.”
(Matthew 9:5-6)
Jesus has the power to forgive our sins, offering us spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. He does not only forgives sins but also heals us of our physical ailment. This demonstrates His compassion and willingness to address both our spiritual and physical needs. It encourages us to trust in Jesus’ comprehensive care for our well-being.
True faith often requires effort and initiative. It is important to actively seek Jesus and bring our needs to Him. We should be open to God’s work, witnessing and sharing the works of God in our lives, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions. Let us have faith, trust in Jesus’ authority, show compassion, remain open to God’s work, and be witnesses to His power and grace.
1 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. 2 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.” 3 At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 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.” 7 He rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
In Jesus’ hands, our sins are forgiven, A path to God, our souls are driven. He heals our hearts, our bodies too, His love and grace, forever true. With compassion deep, He tends our needs, In every act, His mercy leads. Trust in Him, for He does care, Our burdens light, our souls laid bare. True faith calls for effort, bold, To seek Him out, our stories told. Bring forth your needs, with open heart, In Jesus’ love, we find our part. Witness His works, His power and grace, In every trial, His light we trace. Challenge notions, traditions old, In His embrace, our faith unfolds. Have faith, trust in His authority, Show compassion, live in unity. Remain open to God’s wondrous plan, Be a witness, in His name we stand.
Lord Jesus, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and faith. We acknowledge Your power to forgive our sins, offering us spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. We thank You for Your compassion and willingness to address both our spiritual and physical needs. Lord, we trust in Your comprehensive care for our well-being. We believe that true faith requires effort and initiative, and we commit to actively seeking You and bringing our needs before You. Help us to remain open to Your work in our lives, witnessing and sharing Your mighty deeds, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions. Grant us the faith to trust in Your authority, the compassion to show love to others, and the openness to embrace Your work in our lives. May we be faithful witnesses to Your power and grace, proclaiming Your goodness to all. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill His purposes. Prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition. We should always prioritize divine guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations. The Holy Spirit will give us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, it is important to maintain steadfastness and faithfulness. Let us be aware of the dangers of rejecting divine messages and the importance of aligning ourselves with God’s plans in humility and obedience to His calling, no matter our background.
10 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. 11 For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.” 12 To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 16 Now hear the word of the Lord! You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. 17 Now thus says the Lord: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land." (Amos 7:10-17)
In fields of grace, where shadows fall, God’s voice can reach us, one and all. No rank or title, high or low, Can bar the path where we must go. A prophet’s call, not born of pride, But from the Lord, who will provide. Above the noise of worldly din, We seek His purpose deep within. The Spirit’s strength, our guiding light, To speak the truth, to stand and fight. When voices clash and tempests roar, We hold our ground, our faith restore. In trials faced, we stand steadfast, With faith in Him, our anchor cast. Reject not His divine decree, But walk in humble unity. For every soul, a plan divine, In God’s great work, our lives entwine. With hearts aligned to His great will, We find our place, our purpose still.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that You can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill Your divine purposes. We recognize that a prophetic mission is a direct calling from You, not born of personal ambition. Help us to always prioritize Your guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations. Holy Spirit, grant us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, strengthen our resolve to remain steadfast and faithful to Your will. Lord, make us aware of the dangers of rejecting Your divine messages. Teach us to align ourselves with Your plans in humility and obedience, no matter our background. May we walk in Your light, guided by Your wisdom, and fulfill the calling You have placed upon our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
God’s guidance and blessings come from living according to His will and in alignment with His word. Following God’s commandments leads to inner joy, spiritual enlightenment, and keeping them brings great rewards. We should always keep an enduring nature of a sincere relationship with God. Let us cherish and delight in God’s word, recognizing its worth and the joy it brings.
8The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 9 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 10 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 11 They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)
God’s guidance and blessings, a light so pure, from living in His will, our hearts secure. In alignment with His word, we find our way, His commandments lead us, day by day. Inner joy and enlightenment, a spiritual glow, from keeping His laws, our spirits grow. Great rewards await, for those who stay true, in sincere relationship, old and new. Enduring nature, our bond with the Divine, in His word, we find treasures that shine. Cherish and delight, in His holy script, recognizing its worth, our hearts uplift. The joy it brings, beyond measure and time, in God’s word, we find the sublime. Let us walk in His path, with faith so bright, in His guidance and blessings, we find our light.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your guidance and blessings. Help us to live according to Your will and align our lives with Your holy word. May we follow Your commandments faithfully, finding inner joy and spiritual enlightenment in Your truth. Grant us the strength to keep Your laws, knowing that great rewards await those who remain true to You. Help us to nurture an enduring and sincere relationship with You, cherishing and delighting in Your word. Lord, we recognize the worth and joy that Your word brings into our lives. Let it be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May we always find comfort and wisdom in Your scriptures, and may our hearts be uplifted by Your eternal love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: Ministry and Mission in Galilee
THE HEALING OF A PARALYTIC
Matthew 9:1-8
First Reading
III: Symbolic Visions: Threats and Promises
AMOS AND AMAZIAH
Amos 7:10-17
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
GOD'S GLORY IN THE HEAVENS AND IN THE LAW
Psalm 19:1-15
Related Blogs:
https://healingofinfirmities.blogspot.com/2024/07/rise-and-walk.html
https://giftofprophecy.blogspot.com/2024/07/go-prophecy.html
https://biblereflectionsandcommentaries.blogspot.com/2024/07/law-decree-precepts-and-command-of-lord.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
