Reading [Matthew 9:1-8]

READING : Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, take heart, son; your sins are forgiven. At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”  Then the man got up and went home.  When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man (Matthew 9:1-8).

REFLECTION : In the Gospel of Matthew 9:1-8, we see a power ful moment of healing–both physical and spiritual. A paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, carried by his friends. Seeing their faith, Jesus first addresses what is unseen: “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Only afterward does He say, “Get up, take your mat, and go home,” restoring the man’s body as well.

This passage is deeply connected to the season of Lent, a time of renewal, repentance, and healing. Just as the paralytic was unable to move on his own, we too may find ourselves paralyzed–not physically, but spiritually. Sin can be our paralysis. Pride, jealousy, anger, resentment, and selfishness can hold us captive, preventing us from walking freely in God’s grace. Yet, Lent is a time when Jesus invites us to be healed. He does not just want to cure external wounds; He wants to restore our hearts. Like the paralytic, we must come before Him with faith, allowing Him to forgive, cleanse, and renew us. This journey is not one we take alone–just as the paralytic had friends who brought him to Jesus, we are called to support one another in prayer, fasting, and acts of love. As we continue through Lent, let us ask ourselves: What is paralyzing me? Is it pride, unforgiveness, doubt, or fear? Jesus is ready to set us free, but we must first come to Him with open hearts, trusting that His mercy is greater than any sin. May this season be a time of deep healing, where we rise, take up our mats, and walk in the freedom of God’s love.

PRAYER : Lord Jesus, I come before You, like the paralytic, in need of Your healing touch.I bring to You the burdens that paralyze me–my sins, my fears, my weaknesses. In Your mercy, speak to my heart: “Take heart, my child; your sins are forgiven.” Free me from all that holds me back from fully following You. During this Lenten season, renew my soul. Help me to rise, leaving behind sin and doubt, and to walk in the light of Your grace. Give me the courage to change, the strength to forgive, and the faith to trust in Your love. Thank You for Your mercy that makes all things new. May I walk each day in the freedom of Your healing presence. Amen.

CONTEMPLATION : Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Let go of distractions, the noise of the world, and the worries weighing on your heart. Be still in the presence of Jesus, who is always near, waiting to heal and restore you.

Imagine yourself in the crowd as Jesus teaches. You are being carried before Jesus. What is paralyzing you today? Is it fear, sin, doubt, resentment, or something else that holds you back from fully embracing God’s love? Identify it and bring it before Him.

As you rest before Jesus, hear Him speak gently to you: “Take heart, my child; your sins are forgiven.” Let those words sink in. Jesus does not begin by healing the body but by healing the soul. He sees beyond appearances–He knows your burdens, your wounds, your hidden struggles. Feel the weight of sin and guilt lifting as His mercy washes over you. Now, listen again as He says: “Rise, take up your mat, and go home.” He is calling you to move forward, to leave behind what has kept you bound.

As you contemplate His love, take a moment to speak to Jesus in your heart. Thank Him for His mercy. Ask for the strength to walk in newness of life. What concrete steps can you take this Lent to leave behind spiritual paralysis? Perhaps it’s forgiving someone, breaking a bad habit, deepening your prayer life, or seeking reconciliation. Take a final deep breath and rest in the peace of Christ. When you are ready, slowly open your eyes. Carry this moment with you—let the healing Jesus has begun in your heart continue throughout this Lenten season.

ACTION * I will not remain paralyzed by sin, fear or doubt. I will rise and walk in Christ’s grace.

* To let go of whatever paralyzes me-whether it is pride, jealousy, resentment or fear.