Blessing of Faith and Forgiveness

The gospel reading for this weekend, Mark 2:1-12, is a wonderful entry for us as we prepare for Lent. Ash Wednesday is this coming week, February 22. Hopefully we have been praying and thinking about what we would like to do to enrich our personal and spiritual lives. Many people talk about giving something up but what about taking something on. What do we need to do in our lives to grow personally in faith, hope, love, holiness, and prayer. As we live our lives, we are called to share the love and goodness of God with one another. What is presented in our gospel for this weekend is a beautiful example of faith and forgiveness. Jesus acknowledges the faith of the paralytic's friends because they did not give up in their mission to get their friend healed. When the crowd was so great around the door the friends did the next best thing, they went through the roof. Can you imagine the look on peoples faces as they watched that mat being lowered from the roof and placed in front of our Lord? We are told when Jesus saw the faith of the man's friends he said to the man, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Of course, that did not set well with the scribes because only God alone can forgive sins. Jesus said to them, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" Jesus used the second statement, but he did that to show that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins. We have a lot to look forward to as we begin Lent. The blessing of faith and forgiveness are there for the asking. Hopefully, we do not miss the opportunity! Have a blessed weekend!!!