Master·evangeli.net
Today's Gospel + short theological explanation
At once Jesus knew through his spirit what they were thinking and asked, «Why do you wonder? (…). Now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins». And He said to the paralytic, «Stand up, take up your mat and go home». The man rose and, in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out (…).
A paralyzed humanity can only walk with a healthy heart
EDITORIAL TEAM evangeli.net (based on texts by Benedict XVI) (Città del Vaticano, Vatican)Today, Jesus shows that he wants to heal, above all, the spirit. The paralytic is the image of all human being in which the sin impedes to walk freely through the path of good. Evil, nesting in the soul, binds man with ties of lies, anger, envy…, and slowly paralyzes him. That is why Jesus, first, forgives the sins of the paralytic; and, then, heals him completely.
Man, paralyzed by sins, needs the mercy of God that Jesus Christ came to give, so by healing the heart, his whole life can be renewed. Humanity also bears within signs of sins which impede progressing with agility in the values of fraternity, justice and peace despite its intentions made of solemn declarations. Why?
—Only the love of God can renew the heart of man, and the paralyzed humanity can only stand up and walk with a healthy heart. The love of God is the true force that renews the world.
