Read Isaiah 35:1-10, Ps.85:9-14, Luke 5:17-26
“Behold, men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they sought to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:18-20)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus was in a house teaching the word of God and suddenly he felt the power of God within him to heal. Behold at that same time, four men assisted their paralytic friend to get to Jesus through the roof of the building. Jesus not only healed this man, but he also gave him a complete dosage of healing by forgiving his sins as well.
For Jesus to have forgiven the sins of this man before proceeding to cure his paralysis shows that sin is not something to be toiled with, it is an obstacle, a mountain and hill that must be levelled for us to receive the full measure of the blessings Jesus wants us to have.
Jesus fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah in today’s first reading: “The eyes of the blind shall be open, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame man leap like a deer and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.”
Surprisingly, rather than sing for joy, the critics of Jesus seized this as an occasion to plan the death of Jesus. For them, Jesus had just committed blasphemy by doing what only God can do. They couldn’t see that Jesus was trying to tell them that He is God.
Like this man, God wants to heal you this advent. Begin by going for confession.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I be an instrument of joy this advent. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 2nd week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 35:1-10, Ps.85:9-14, Luke 5:17-26).