Daily Reflection – 1/16/2026
Sacred Scripture
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”—he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” (Mark 2:1-12)
Reflection
When the paralyzed man was lowered through the roof into the crowded home where Jesus was teaching, everyone expected a dramatic physical miracle. But Jesus went deeper first. Before strengthening the man’s legs, He healed his heart. Before restoring his body, He restored his relationship with God.
This moment reveals the summit of God’s plan: the reconciliation of the human race with God. Physical healing matters, but spiritual healing is the greater mercy. Heaven rejoices more over one sinner who turns back than over ninety‑nine who never strayed.
The second lesson is just as powerful. The paralytic never would have reached Jesus without the friends who carried him, lifted him, and refused to give up. Their faith brought him into the presence of mercy. We are called to do the same — to bring others to Christ through forgiveness, compassion, and love.
Yet forgiveness is often the hardest work of all. We say the words, but we hold on to the memory. We justify our caution with phrases like “I forgive but never forget” or “I’ll always be on guard.” But as long as the hurt remains lodged in our hearts, forgiveness is incomplete.
Christ forgave again and again — from the beginning of His ministry to the final moments on the cross. To follow Him is to emulate Him. When we cling to past wounds, we allow darkness to cloud our spirit, and darkness is never the dwelling place of God.
Forgiveness requires prayer, grace, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit reshape our hearts. When we release the hurt, we step into the light. When we forgive fully, we open ourselves to Christ’s presence. And in that presence, we discover healing, reconciliation, and life itself.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, through Your merciful love and forgiveness You bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. Touch every area of my life — my thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offenses and transform me through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk confidently in Your love, truth, and righteousness. Amen.”
Daily Note
Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God’s redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, mind, and spirit.
