7/2/2026 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 9:1-8
1 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
2 And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”
3 At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”
4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts?
5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
7 He rose and went home.
8 When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
7/2/2026 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 9:1-8
The Gospel reading above presents a beautiful story of healing that goes deeper than physical restoration. A paralyzed man was brought to Jesus by people who believed that He could change a hopeless situation. Seeing their faith, Jesus first dealt with the man’s deepest need and then restored his body, showing that He has authority to heal, forgive, and renew lives.
We can remember the message of this passage through the word RISE.
R – Reach Out in Faith
The paralyzed man could not come to Jesus alone. He depended on friends who cared enough to bring him to the Lord. Faith is often strengthened through the support of others. We are not meant to carry our burdens by ourselves. When we pray for one another, encourage one another, and help those who are struggling, we become instruments of God’s healing. Reaching out in faith means trusting that no problem is too difficult for God.
I – Invite God into Your Deepest Needs
Jesus looked beyond the man’s physical condition and addressed what was happening in his heart. Sometimes we focus only on external problems while ignoring the wounds within including fear, guilt, resentment, or broken relationships. True healing begins when we invite God into every part of our lives. He desires not only to solve our problems but also to transform our hearts. When we surrender our deepest needs to Him, we discover peace that circumstances cannot take away.
S – Stand Against Doubt
Not everyone welcomed what Jesus did. Some questioned His authority and judged Him in their hearts. Even today, doubts, criticisms, and disappointments can weaken our faith. Yet Jesus demonstrated that His power is greater than human skepticism. We are called to stand firm and trust God even when answers do not come immediately. Faith does not mean having all the explanations; it means believing that God is working even when we cannot fully understand His ways.
E – Embrace a New Life
After receiving healing, the man did not remain where he had been. He rose and went home with a renewed life. God’s blessings are not meant to keep us stuck in our old habits and fears. Every encounter with the Lord invites us to move forward with gratitude, hope, and purpose. He lifts us up so that we may become witnesses of His goodness and channels of His love to others.
Whenever life seems heavy, remember to RISE:
R – Reach Out in Faith
I – Invite God into Your Deepest Needs
S – Stand Against Doubt
E – Embrace a New Life
God specializes in lifting people who feel helpless. No burden is too heavy, no mistake too great, and no situation too hopeless for His mercy. The same Lord who restored the paralyzed man continues to raise weary hearts today. Therefore, do not remain discouraged. With faith, hope, and trust in God, rise each day and walk forward with confidence, knowing that His grace is always enough and His love never fails.
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