WHAT IS JESUS THINKING?

“Sitting close by were Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem.” –Luke 5:17

Mass Readings: December 11
First: Isaiah 35:1-10; Resp: Psalm 85:9-14; Gospel: Luke 5:17-26

Listen to the Mass Readings

Jesus was surrounded by a large number of religious leaders and Bible scholars. It was something like a convocation of priests or a symposium of professors. In the midst of this august assembly, the roof was partly dismantled, and a man on a stretcher was lowered through the hole. Jesus said to the paralyzed man: “My friend, your sins are forgiven you” (Lk 5:20). Although Jesus knew that this statement would be considered blasphemy and would turn the religious leaders against Him, He spoke of His authority to forgive sins (Lk 5:24). He even healed the paralyzed man to confirm His authority to forgive sins (Lk 5:25). Jesus is preoccupied with the forgiveness of sins.

“You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tm 1:15). Jesus has sacrificed His life for the forgiveness of our sins. There is “more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner” (Lk 15:7). The heart of Jesus is the heart of forgiveness.

Therefore, repent; confess your sins. May the shedding of Jesus’ blood, the giving of His life, and the love poured out in His death not be in vain. Jesus is thinking of you, and He wants to forgive your sins. Repent of your sins!

PRAYER: Father, make my Advent Confessions life-changing.
PROMISE: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing.” —Is 35:5-6
PRAISE: Pope St. Damasus I opposed schisms and heresies while promoting martyrs. He worked untiringly so the Church might be one.