Friday 17 January 2020
Day of Penance
1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22. Psalm 88(89):16-19. Mark 2:1-12.
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord – Psalm 88(89):16-19.
‘Stand up and take your mat and walk.’
The crowds come expecting that Jesus will perform a healing. Before doing so, Jesus challenges the unbelievers with a teaching moment, and is able to show them the impact of the bondage of sin, indeed, the bondage of their own unbelief. He uses words first. He liberates the heart. The words that Jesus uses ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ are one thing, but the actions speak much louder. On Jesus’ invitation to ‘stand up’, the paralytic gets up and walks, praising God. God’s action is shown. Where in our lives do we need to be freed to trust in God’s saving power?
Christ my brother, you are a friend to those in special need. Help me to call upon your name for help in my struggles, that I may have a deeper faith in your power to forgive. Call me to ‘stand up’ from the afflictions which limit my freedom.
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