13th January 2012 Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.  Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
 
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

I love this miracle, the way it is so dramatic and the way all the kids I've ever shared it with just adore it.  But today I'm more struck with the forgiveness.  Maybe that's because of the place I'm in this morning, but whatever the reason this is my focus of reflection.

Jesus I am reminded today that I don't have to be perfect, I'm allowed to make mistakes and do things wrong.  What really matters to you is that I'm sorry and try to do better next time.  thank you for forgiving me and any of us who ask.  Amen