Daily Reflections - January 13, 2012

POWER OF INTERCESSION

Do you notice the faith of the four men carrying the paralytic? Jesus notices it, turns to the paralytic and says, “Your sins are forgiven.” The paralytic doesn’t utter a word. There is no mention whether he wants to be cured. The four men see it as their duty to bring him to Jesus. The first part of this dramatic story is all about those carrying the paralytic. They seem desperate to have their friend come to Jesus. They go to great lengths to cut a hole on the roof and lower him down in front of Jesus.
The second part of the story turns to the conflict between the scribes and Jesus: No one can forgive sins but God alone. Jesus proves His authority by calling the man to stand up. The man gladly stands at the command of Jesus and walks out in full view of all. A miracle has happened before their eyes. A paralytic stands up and walks. Jesus proves that He has the authority and power to heal and set the man free from sin. The man was in need of forgiveness, which he received through the faith of the four men. The Gospel says, “Seeing their faith, Jesus forgives the man his sin.”
All of us are in need of people to intercede for us. This is a powerful form of prayer intercession. Bringing our needs and the needs of others to Jesus is a form of intercession. We need to pray for this gift. Notice in the Gospel story that the impossibility of getting him in because of the crowd does not stop the men from carrying out their desire. They know Jesus. They have seen Him heal and teach. In their great love for their friend, they see Jesus as the answer to his problem.
We are all like that paralytic — sometimes paralyzed in fear and sin, totally wounded and immobilized. We need others to intercede and pray for us — carry us to Jesus, so to speak. There is power in prayer. Many have witnessed the grace of intercession in their lives. Let us not be overcome by impossible situations. These men in the Gospel can inspire us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Who is Jesus asking you to carry to Him? Intercede for these people who are trapped and paralyzed in their particular situations.

Lord, I pray for those who are asking me for prayers. Lord Jesus, forgive them, heal them, and set them free. Amen.