Rise Through Forgiveness – Mark 2:1-12 Reflection
When Jesus feels we are ready, He reveals the wrongs we previously denied or were unaware of that affect us. We then have to process what has been uncovered further. The sequence can consist of remorse, prayer, verbalizing the wrongs, and resolving not to repeat them. If necessary, we should seek forgiveness from those we offend and reconciliation with the Lord. The result is a meaningful sense of gratefulness and peace. Saying “Yes” to the earthly purgatory aspects of an interior life is complicated, requiring the full attention of mind, body, and soul. To succeed, we need to try as hard as the paralytic man. Even with the past behind us, we will continue to fall, then rise through forgiveness, picking up our mats numerous times.
The Palsied Man Let Down through the Roof by James Tissot (Full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 2:1-12 – Scripture*
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3 Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Mark 2:1-12 Reflection – Rise Through Forgiveness.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 2 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Rise Through Forgiveness.
