7th Sunday in ordinary time

 (22nd feb 2009)

 

 

 “My Child,

your sins

are forgiven”

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

1.         SILENCE

2.        WORSHIP

3.        SCRIPTURE

READING

4.       MEDITATION

5.        BY HEART

6.        INTERCESSION

7.        COVENANT

PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 2:1-12

“…He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven’...

 

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.      Why did so many people gathered around the house where Jesus was?  What was their hopes and wishes?  What was Jesus doing there?   

2.      Who were these 4 men to the paralytic?  Perhaps family or friends?  Why were they not able to enter through the door of the house?  Did they give up?  What did they do next?  What does this tell you about their character?     

3.      Why did Jesus call the paralytic ‘my child’?  Why was his purpose when Jesus said, ‘Your sins are forgiven” instead of making the paralytic walk again?  Which is more important:  to be able to walk or to have our sins forgiven?             

 

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

-          The paralytic was blessed with good friends who cared enough for him to bring him to Jesus.  Being a paralytic, he had to depend on others for his well being.  If it were not for them, the paralytic would not have been able to reach Jesus by himself.  Are we caring enough to bring the helpless to encounter Jesus?  Do we have friends we can count on who would bring us to Jesus when we are helpless? 

 

-          When they saw that the crowd made it impossible to get him to Jesus, the four men could have given up but they didn’t.  They knew that no matter how difficult or challenging it was, they had to bring him to Jesus because they believe that Jesus could make him walk again.  Which challenges are you facing now in your life that make you want to give up? Based on the story, can having faith make any difference?  Why?      

 

Jesus could have said, “My child, I command you to stand and walk”, instead he said, “My child, your sins are forgiven”.  When we sin, we become paralyzed in our relationship with God and with one another.  Just as the paralytic was helpless, so too are we as sinners.  We cannot save ourselves or make our sins go away.  Only God can forgive our sins.  Only he can restore our broken relationship.  Do we notice the paralysis of sin in our lives?  When was the last time we had a good confession and experienced personally the forgiveness of God?                

 

Intercessions:

1.      For all the sick, suffering and helpless, that the Lord might restore them to full health not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. 

2.      For all of us, that we might seek the forgiveness of God by learning to repent from our sins and return home to the embrace of the Father.

3.      For young people everywhere, that they might respond to God’s invitation and witness to his mercy and forgiveness. 

4.      For our families, that they might grow in understanding and care for one another by dying to self and putting the needs of others first.   

 

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen