Blame Game

Today’s Gospel Text:  On one of those days, as he was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they sought to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?" 22 When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the man who was paralyzed - "I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home." 25 And immediately he rose before them, and took up that on which he lay, and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen strange things today." Luke 5:17-26

Reflection: Many a times we literally live as individuals and only think of satisfying and indulging ourselves in  all kinds of pleasures.

Before we go further in this reflection, we need to caution ourselves while judging those who are cut off from others, as individuals on account of their dedication to God.

In fact putting it the other way could be more apt and true: those who are constantly in the company of many or are working in groups can be more individualistic in their ways and part of their individualism and selfishness is manifested in seeking the company of others to fill in the vacuum of loneliness and driving weaknesses in their own lives.

It depends on many factors why we seek the company of others, but broadly speaking there are two factors; it could be to satisfy our selfish needs or to serve the needs of others?

The gospel text through the healing of the paralytic shows us that we are all related to each other and our actions too have a relative force on one another.

So whatever sin we commit, even if it is a sin against our body or whatever good we do, even in privation, it has some effect or the other on others.

As Christians it would be most foolish thing to go about blaming others for ones poor state of affairs and point to others as the reason for one's current state of unrest.

Though this connectivity of the human race is a reality of life, God in Christ Jesus also came to resolve this issue once and for all.

The righteous man, Jesus Christ bore it all in his crucified body and thus became the savior and liberator for all who come to him and believe in this great work of God. He is the one who can set all evil right because he has paid the price.

What is more, no matter what evil people may indulge in it is not for us to pass a judgment and condemn, but God desires that we be his instrument like these four men in the Gospel. They brought healing and solace, to the extent of forgiveness of the sins of the other.

Prayer: Lord Jesus you are our savior and God, help me to put my complete trust and confidence in your saving action. 

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