"Courage, child your sins are forgiven."

As the month of July begins, our thoughts here in the United States may turn to the National celebration of our Independence – the “4th of July.” A day for picnics, parades, a proud display of the American flag and of course the ever present fireworks. It also happens to be my birthday on that same day in which I will mark the age I intend to remain for the next thirty years – 59 and holding.

But our Gospel for July 1st offers a beautiful scene of Jesus’ compassion. Jesus comes to his own town along the Sea of Galilee – Capernaum. There he encounters a man, paralyzed and lying on a stretcher, who is brought to him likely by family members.

Moved with compassion, Jesus the mysterious healer does not heal the man, at least not physically, but says to him: “Your sins are forgiven.” In other words, be made whole, complete, restored, and reconciled. Find peace in the mercy of God who has now taken away your guilt and shame. Praise the Lord! But, I’m still paralyzed.

Jesus is challenged by the crowds who accuse him of blasphemy: “Only God can forgive sins!” Right, no argument there. God alone has that power and position for he alone is without sin.

Then, when challenged with this clearly evident truth, he now heals the man physically: “Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home.”

Can you see the evident joy here? The man is healed both within and without. It is a moment of merciful compassion on the part and God in Jesus Christ. Sin can cripple us; can paralyze us and deform our spirit. When we confess our sin, we identify our paralysis and bring that to the Lord for no less mercy that he showed this man.

Reflect on God’s mercy in your life. Bring your deformity to him. Do not fear but hear the words, “Rise, pick up your mat and go home.”

Gospel – Matthew 9: 1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”
At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,
“This man is blaspheming.”
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,
“Why do you harbor evil thoughts?
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
But that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins”—
he then said to the paralytic,
“Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
He rose and went home.
When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe
and glorified God who had given such authority to men.