Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
When Jesus saw the paralytic man in today’s gospel reading from Matthew he said, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” Perhaps if we witnessed this scene we would have found it confusing that Jesus was focused on the man’s sins as opposed to his inability to walk. However, Jesus’ primary concern was not for man’s physical need, but rather his spiritual need. He wanted to provide him the opportunity to restore his relationship with the Father. It was the forgiveness of sin that mattered more to Jesus. The scribes, unable to see this distinction, accused Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus cleverly responded, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” But to prove that Jesus has the power to forgive sins, he also said to the man “‘Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.’ He rose and went home.” Jesus showed the teachers of the law that he had not only the power to heal, but the authority to forgive. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe and they glorified God.
This story reminds me that what I think is most important may not be what God thinks is most important. God looks at us differently than how we look at ourselves. The pandemic has caused many of us to reevaluate what is important in our lives. It also has provided an opportunity to see where God is at work more readily. The Examen created by St. Ignatius Loyola is a traditional practice of prayerful reflection on the events of the day. This helps us to detect God’s presence and discern what is most important. St. Ignatius’s Examen proceeds in five steps:
- Become aware of God’s presence. Ask God’s help.
- Recall 2 or 3 things that happened today for which you are especially grateful. Savor them. Thank God for these gifts.
- Review your day from start to finish, noticing where God was present.
- If today you sinned or did something that you regret, express sorrow and ask for God’s forgiveness. Pray about seeking forgiveness from the person offended and participating in the sacrament of reconciliation.
- Have a conversation with God about what have you felt throughout this time of prayer. In closing, ask for God’s grace for the following day.
-Jessica Gabrielli