Thursday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time July 6, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time
July 6, 2023, Matthew 9:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070623.cfm

There Is Nothing Routine about Jesus?

Routines are a part of everyday life. We do the same thing when we wake up and prepare for the day. Probably we drive the same way to work. So would it be fair to say that our relationships are also subject to a routine? We greet and say goodbye to people the same way. Some people we shake hands with, and others we give a hug. 

Our relationship with the Lord also follows a routine. We pray at the same time, most likely using the same prayers. Without realizing it, we can develop a static view or understanding of who God is to us. In today’s gospel, it was blasphemous for Jesus to show his mercy to the paralyzed man. The paralytic’s sinful state was a greater priority to Jesus than his paralysis.  

Oblivious to what people thought, Jesus absolved his sins. When the scribes accused Jesus of being blasphemous, he asked his critics: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” Breaking the routine of how people saw Jesus, He first absolved and then healed the paralytic. 

Gospel Challenge:
Without absolving his sin, the paralytic could have walked physically but not in the way of the Lord. When you pray, do you ask God to do something? What is God asking you to do to walk with him more generously throughout the day? Do not be afraid if your routine with God changes. Just walk with Him. He knows where He’s leading you and how to get there. 

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com

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