Two individuals received forgiveness from Jesus in the readings…
Healing the Paralytic - Luke 5: 17-26
I have always imaged this story as one of healing, but I also have been amazed by the determination and care of the paralyzed man’s friends. He does not come alone, but is brought by his friends.
Do you know someone who needs to be carried to Jesus?
Another thought came to me about this healing story. Forgiveness and paralysis are intertwined. Now we know that today persons who become paralyzed because of medical and human actions have nothing to do with their sins. There are medical reasons they are unable to walk and God is with them.
I am talking about another form of paralysis.
It struck me, when sin pervades our lives we do become paralyzed. Do we not? Sin sucks us into habits, choices, and actions, which can paralyze us to the point we are unable to function or feel worthy of God’s love. The paralysis keeps us from coming close to Jesus or willing to even come close. One example is addictions. Over coming addictions takes healing, forgiveness, and changing of our lives.
Eating with Levi (someone detested in society) - Luke 5: 26 - 32
Have you ever thought about how forgiveness can be misinterpreted as condoning the wrong committed? When someone receives forgiveness, the people who have done the forgiving don’t stand off at a distance either physically or emotionally.
Jesus was in the home of a tax collector, Levi. I can image Jesus sitting in the living room of Levi’s home and other religious folks walking and seeing the two of them having dinner together. The dinning table was in front of the big picture window. I could see how those who walked by might confuse Jesus forgiveness as somehow approving Levi’s past. It was powerful to watch. Jesus had a lot of courage. Jesus dared to sit with, break bread with, and talk with someone whom others detested. At the same time, I also imagine myself worrying and wondering if his bold actions might affect his reputation.
Some Questions for reflection and comment:
Is the company he is keeping challenging Jesus character?
How hard is it for us to reach out to others who society detests? Why?
2 comments:
I think that these two stories are telling us the same thing from two different angles. In the first, the paralytic's friends had enough faith that they went and brought him to Jesus. In the second story Jesus is taking His message to those who need to hear it. Both are an example for us to spread His Word to those who need it. Whether it be by inviting them to church, Sunday school or Bible study, or by reaching out to them whereever they are.
"Have you ever thought about how forgiveness can be misinterpreted as condoning the wrong committed?"
In our everyday life some people are evil. They do not play by the same rules and feel superior by "getting over" on someone else. Forgiving these people is difficult, but required, for our own since of well being. Hatred cast a shadow over our personality and starts us down the path of depression and low self esteem.
Forgiveness is very difficult, but it does not require you to forget and make the same mistake a second time.
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