Today's gospel presents an interesting situation for our consideration. Jesus' curing of the paralyzed man comes only after he forgives, heals his sinfulness. Once that is done, Jesus turns to healing the paralysis. Some might think these actions support the belief that illnesses are God's way of "taking care" of those who have sinned. Those who might believe that cancer, AIDS, blindness, paralysis and MS, just to name a few illnesses are punishment for sinfulness.
What Jesus is teaching is that healing of sinfulness is a greater miracle that curing a physical malady. Perhaps what we might consider after reading this periocope from the gospel is our stance toward the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Is it only in face of serious situations in our lives that confront us that we turn to the comfort and solace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Perhaps we have lost a sense of awe as we stand healed of our sinfulness. Or, have we lost a genuine sense of sin and its impact in our lives? Have we forgotten that sin paralyzes us and our being a fully human person?
