Friday 17th January, Anthony, Abbot, Memorial

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

In seeking Jesus to help my needs, do I see that Jesus
puts my neediness in proportion; he wants me to see that his support is not
just for me—but it is there for the whole world?

Do I have the courage to act?