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Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus performs this wonderful healing of the paralyzed man for a much deeper reason than the healing of the man’s paralysis. He heals the man’s soul as well. Through this miraculous physical healing of the man, Jesus is proving to the crowds that He has the authority of the Divine—specifically, the divine authority to forgive sins.
It is important to hear in the Gospel that no one but God has authority over sin. It shows us that Jesus is divine, that He is God. But it also shows us that we don’t have power over sin. The fact that this is a paralyzed man is no mere coincidence. He cannot move from his state (physically or spiritually). Similarly, we are spiritually paralyzed by sin. We need the authority of Christ to heal us and strengthen us. We should regularly go to Confession (and certainly every time we commit a mortal sin). Also, we should examine our consciences and say some act of contrition daily. Do so now in prayer. We need Jesus in our fight against sin.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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