Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 12, 2024

Date:  Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”

Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today gives us the account of Jesus’ healing of a paralytic brought to Him by others. The actions of the others demonstrate their care for their suffering brother and their faith in Jesus’ power to heal. This account of Jesus’ mercy and compassion for another also spotlights the rise of those who reject Jesus because of his words and teachings.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I bring the suffering of others to the LORD for healing? Do I go out of my way to help another?  

Praying:

Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Trinity, we come to You this day full of wonder for all that is because of You and your creative and sustaining love. We bring to You the needs of those in our family and community who are suffering: add names of those you wish to bring to the LORD. Lord, help us always and everywhere to carry within us the knowledge of your great love for us and the desire to bring others to You and You to others. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.