FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 14, 2022

James Tissot (French 1836-1902)

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mk 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

REFLECTION

"Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?"

Many times I wonder where a certain thought came from or, worse, the feeling from inside that I literally have no control over. The only control I have is my reaction when unwanted thoughts or feelings creep into my life. Why does this happen? Are my prejudices taking over? Have I misunderstood the situation I am in?

Other times, because I know and love the person, I know what they are thinking before they say anything. I have lived with them a long time, worked with them over several years or know what topics will cause a reaction from them. I can then try to bring peace to a situation, change the topic or mitigate their reaction.

Jesus knew what the scribes were thinking. He meets them in their doubts, their prejudices and knows the predicament they are in. He does anything possible to free their hearts to receive His love. Jesus not only has pity for the paralytic man and his friends, but also has pity on the scribes for the poverty of their ignorance.

Thought of the Day: When we are with a negative, critical or unhappy person, what is your reaction to them and what can you do for them?

God Bless You