When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
“Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”
Then the Scribes and Pharisees begin to question:
“Who is this speaking blasphemies?
Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:20-21)
We often seek healing when forgiveness is our deepest need.
We need to be released from the burdens of our past;
The guilt and shame that hold us fast,
The anger and blame that bind us to pain.
We need the mending mercy of God,
The mercy that frees us and brings us wholeness and peace.
So that the people would know that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins,
He said to the one that was paralyzed,
“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.”
Immediately he stood up before them,
Took what he had been lying on,
And went to his home, glorifying God.
Amazement seized all of them. (Luke 5:24-25)
This is healing:
We who are paralyzed, broken and afraid,
Are carried by others into the presence of God,
Who welcomes and receives us in Christ Jesus.
This is the miracle:
Christ forgives us and sets us free,
Raises us to newness of life, and sends us home.
This is the promise:
Christ, our wounded healer, goes home with us,
Giving God’s healing, forgiveness, and joy.
Readings. Holden Prayer Around the Cross: Handbook to the Liturgy. Susan Briehl and Tom Witt, p 105-106. Augsburg Fortress 2009.
Prayer: Merciful God, forgive my mistakes and brokenness. Christ, come home and live with me today and always. Amen