Word to the Wise
Thursday, July 6, 2023 - Thursday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Gen 22:1b-19 and Matt 9:1-8]When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." [Matthew]
This incident is recounted in much more colorful detail in the Gospel According to Luke [15:18-26]. There we learn that the friends of the paralytic bring him on a stretcher to Jesus' house. But because of the crowd they can't get into the house. So they take the paralytic - stretcher and all - up on the roof, tear off enough and drop him down in front of Jesus! [Matthew omits this part of the story.] Two things stand out to me: the faith of the friends who bring the paralytic to Jesus, and the reaction of the crowd (including the scribes).
The text says that it is not the faith of the paralytic but the faith (and persistence) of his friends that captures the attention of Jesus. It has happened from time to time in my ministry that someone's friend asks me to pray for their friend whose circumstances are difficult. I am always touched by their own concern for their friend and their faith that my prayers can make a difference. I surely hope they will pray for me!
The second point - the reaction of the crowd, including the scribes - involves Jesus' power. Jesus says that it doesn't matter which words he uses, he has the power of life, death and healing and forgiveness. It is still early in his ministry, so the crowds see him as merely a human gifted by God and not as the post-resurrection "Lord!" The scribes, however, don't get that far because they react to Jesus' claim to forgive sins which they believe is a power only God can exercise. Well....precisely! However, they attribute Jesus' power to demonic forces and not to divinity. [Matthew 9:34].
When we are worried about our own faith or the faith of our friends or children, perhaps we can remember the stretcher-bearers. The physical ways in which we can be of help may vary with the circumstances, but we can always pray. It is our faith that can make a big difference. I am always glad to add my own prayers not only for the one who is in need, but for the "stretcher-bearer(s)" who care(s). AMEN