Which Is Easier
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 9: 1-8 – He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought 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 human beings.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Often in the Gospel, Jesus heals (or doesn’t heal) people based on their faith. In this particular Gospel Jesus spiritually heals, or forgives the sins of, a paralyzed man based on faith. It is interesting to notice through whose faith Jesus is moved to forgive the paralyzed man. The Gospel says, “When Jesus saw their faith,” their faith—the faith of those carrying the paralyzed man. Perhaps the paralyzed man’s faith is included here too, but the point remains that Jesus heals one man based on the faith of others.
This is a strange mystery that is still true today. Our faith can have a great impact on others, even those who never see it. The same is true of our sufferings, our “redemptive suffering.” Certainly our own sufferings make a difference in our own redemption, but they can also make a difference in the redemption of others. The value of one Christian’s suffering can be applied (in a way) to the well-being of another. In this way our suffering is very important, and we shouldn’t reject it when God gives it to us. God may be asking us to join Him on the Cross in suffering in order to participate in the healing of others. In prayer let’s consider our sufferings, accept them, and ask God to apply their value to the help of others.
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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