Thursday 6 July 2023

Today is Thursday the 6th of July, in the 13th week of Ordinary time.

The University of Johannesburg choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others.

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.


Matthew 9.1-8

And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town.

And just then some people were carrying a paralysed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

In today’s story, Jesus meets a paralysed man being carried by others. The encounter leads to forgiveness and healing.

Who do I know who needs the healing touch of Jesus at this time? I imagine myself and others carrying this person to Jesus.

I take a moment to commit to praying for this person in the days ahead.

I also tell Jesus what is on my heart today and anything that is concerning me.

As I listen to the story again, I hear Jesus saying: ‘stand up and walk’ and I think about what this call might mean for me.

As I bring this time of prayer to a close, I take heart that in Jesus my sins and the sins of others are forgiven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.