THROUGH FORGIVENESS AND HEALING
Jesus Christ comes to restore and renew us from the inside out.
When a paralytic
was brought to Jesus Christ because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the
unthinkable. As we take a closer look at the Gospel of Matthew today: Notice
how, even after the man's sins are forgiven, he does not yet get up and walk.
Jesus first focuses on the man's spiritual well-being before He turns to his
physical well-being. It's an interesting order of events that need to play
out... While physical healing can be tested, proven, and verified, the same is
not so clear with forgiveness. We may know in our own life how, even after
hearing a word of forgiveness, we have the sneaking suspicion that past
mistakes will come back to show its ugly face. Forgiveness and healing are not
linked in the Gospels in order to teach us that sickness is punishment for our
sins. Instead, we see that Jesus Christ comes to restore and renew us from the
inside out. He comes to forgive and to bring new life. Through forgiveness and
healing, our heavenly Father reveals the deep desire to restore wholeness to our
whole life and give life to the world.
No wonder, St
Ignatius started the retreat movement and taught us to focus on the spiritual
exercises. This is so that Jesus can heal us through a greater intimacy with
God!
Use today's psalm
for your prayer: I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the
living (Ps 115.) In this, the Lord brings us healing of mind, body, and soul.
What A Healing
Power!