FIRST READING
Amos 7:10-17
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.”
To Amos, Amaziah said:
“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now hear the word of the LORD!”
You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. Now thus says the LORD: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. (10cd) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
ALLELUIA
2 Corinthians 5:19
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 9:1-8
After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, :Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
REFLECTIONS:
What cripples the mind and heart and stiffles the
healing power of love? Sin and unforgiveness for certain! Sin cripples
us more than any physical ailment can. Sin is the work of the kingdom of
darkness and it holds us in eternal bondage. There is only one solution
and that is the healing, cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus
treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple
was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the
unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this
as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive
sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed
an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved
that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming
love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man
had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed
him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well.
The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of mind, body, and soul.
His grace brings us freedom from the power of sin and from bondage to harmful
desires and addictions. Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus' healing
power?
"Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing
and restoration to body, mind, and soul. May your healing power and love
touch every area of my life my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes,
and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your
Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and goodness."
am so blessed than you
ReplyDelete