But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
(Luke 5:24)
The crowd accused you of blasphemy, my Jesus, when you said to the determined men who had lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof, “Your sins are forgiven.” In order to prove your authority, you heal the man. Your mission is not only to heal, but, even more importantly, to forgive. You heal our souls first. Ultimately, you not only forgive, but you atone for our sins and redeem us all.
Sometimes I feel paralyzed by guilt and fear. I need to heed your words, pick myself up, and come home to you. I am free. I believe.
I thank you for the friends who have supported me, whose faith and ingenuity have brought me to you. Please help me to affirm those with whom I interact.