Authority to Forgive

But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he turned to the paralytic – ‘I order you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go off home.’ And the man got up, picked up his stretcher at once and walked out in front of everyone.

Mk.2:10-12

Jesus has just forgiven the sins of a paralytic. To demonstrate to offended scribes his authority to forgive sins, he miraculously heals the paralytic.

To Jesus, the healing of the paralytic was secondary to the forgiving of his sins. When focussed on the paralytic, the best Jesus could give him was forgiveness. The healing was simply to demonstrate to unbelievers that he had authority to forgive. 

Forgiveness continues to be the best that Jesus can give. It brings freedom, peace and joy, all priceless gifts. We focus on the physical which is temporary at best. It all turns to dust. This is where Janis Joplin got it wrong when singing, "Lord, won't you give me a colour TV". My soul is eternal. Fix that and I'm fixed for ever. 

Time to visit the confessional...

Thank you Jesus that your greatest gift for me is forgiveness. Thank you that you have made forgiveness so readily available through your Church.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.