Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Elizabeth Kirkland CahillDecember 05, 2016

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply,“What are you thinking in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”  ~ Lk 5:22-23

As we place ourselves in prayer before the Lord who loves us, we quickly become aware of the stains on our souls. In reflecting on the perfect grandeur of God, the invincible love of Christ, the blessed and blessing presence of the Holy Spirit, we cannot help but notice our many human shortcomings.

All of us have interior afflictions that paralyze us, like the unnamed ailment that ravaged the man in Luke’s Gospel and left him motionless on a stretcher. And all of us need to ask God, early on in our prayer time, to rain his mercy down upon us for the sins that keep us from moving forward to carry out his work. This means repenting both of what we have done—snapping at a spouse, being critical of a work colleague—and of what we have failed to do—neglecting to call a friend we know to be in need, leaving a messy room for someone else to deal with.

RELATED: To subscribe to these Advent reflections, sign up here and check "Digital Content Updates." 

We may feel embarrassed and even ashamed to reflect on the ways in which we’ve fallen short; as a friend once summed it up when talking with me about a difficult time in her life, “I am not proud of that.” Nor was the man on the stretcher proud of his state. But with the help of his friends, he found his way into the presence of Christ, placed his paralyzed self in front of his loving Lord and was granted the healing forgiveness that enabled him to take up a new life. We know from Scripture and from our own life experiences that God stands poised to do the same for us.

RELATED: Read all of our Advent reflections for 2016

All-loving Lord, Heal the afflictions of body and spirit that beset me, so that I may rise up and walk in the light of your forgiveness. Amen.

For today’s readings, click here.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Ann Robertson
7 years 11 months ago
This is a wonderfully encouraging reading. We live in a semi communal building where, to my shame, 'love they neighbour' is something I find incredibly difficult at times. The article on Herbert McCabe and "Faith Within Reason" is something I read over and over again as it is a lifeline. Thank-you for this lovely site which I discovered quite by accident.

The latest from america

An exclusive conversation with Father James Martin, Gerard O’Connell, Colleen Dulle and Sebastian Gomes about the future of synodality in the U.S. church
America StaffNovember 20, 2024
A Homily for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, by Father Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinNovember 20, 2024
Pope Francis’ doctrinal chief faced criticism for synod delegates over his office’s lack of diversity, clear communication and transparency when it comes to the question of women deacons.
Colleen DulleNovember 20, 2024
“Wicked” author Gregory Maguire talks about his religious upbringing, Elphaba’s search for a soul and why nuns, saints and witches might not be all that different.