Jesus’s Authority – Reflection on Matthew 9:1-8
Christian journeys often include an “ah-ha” moment when Christ inside is genuinely acknowledged, and the desire to become like Jesus truly begins. Cooperating with Jesus’s authority can be recognized when you find it easy to forgive others and apologize for your ongoing transgressions. It will also become evident that you feel the responsibility to resolve previous wrongdoings to be whole. While sometimes painful, you can allow yourself the opportunity to explore and accept human traits, letting Jesus turn negatives into healing joy. Through Jesus, with both your natures of human and divine you have the authority to forgive and forget. Imagine what would happen if everyone was that way.
He Heals the Lame by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details at available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 9:1-8 – Scripture*
And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 9:1-8 Reflection – Jesus’s Authority.
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 get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 9 Bible passage.
This site follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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