July 1, 2010
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
"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." He rose and went home. Matthew 9:5-7
Piety
Jesus, we pray that you will provide to us the confidence of the caregivers, the faith of the paralytic man, and the awe of the crowd to place all of our trust in you. Protect us from the skepticism of the scribes who question your love when it threatens their status in the community. Amen.
Study
Once again, Matthew presents to us different perspectives on an encounter with Jesus. Which one describes us?
First, do we have the confidence of the crowd who presents to Jesus the case of the paralytic man? These people were most likely friends and family members who were his caregivers – feeding, clothing, bathing and exercising him regularly. Yet, they sought for him a better life. Traditional medicine and exorcism did not help. So, when they heard the stories about this man healing others now walking amidst their town, they had faith that he could heal their friend and family member.
Second, will we react like the paralytic man? He was crippled and ended up lying on his mat maybe for months or years. When he encounters this itinerant preacher from Nazareth, he hears the words and must react. Will he trust in the words of the Lord and obediently rise, pick up his mat and go home?
Third, will we react with the skepticism of the scribes and Pharisees whose power and influence over the people is threatened by Jesus?
Finally, will we be like the others in the crowd who witnessed this act and were awed?
Action
Matthew packs much action and reaction into this one little story. Every day, our lives play out dozens of little stories of our encounters with others and with Christ. Co-workers. Family members. Workers serving us in shops and other commercial transactions. People on the phone. People we meet in person. People at parties and restaurants. How do we react to what is happening in the present moment all around us? What is Christ looking for in our actions and reactions?
