Forgiveness and healing – May 9, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 105:1-22; PM Psalm 105:23-45;  Dan. 6:1-15; 2 John 1-13; Luke 5:12-26  

Can you think of a time when you wronged someone and – after a time – they truly and deeply forgave you? Perhaps it felt like a weight was lifted from your chest and you were no longer burdened with the pain of separation and angst. Receiving forgiveness brings a new sense of freedom. Hope can swirl again within your mind and whole being.

In today’s gospel, Jesus saw the faith of a paralyzed man’s friends. Because of their heroic efforts to get the man closer to Jesus for healing, he said to the disabled man, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ (Luke 5:20) And then Jesus healed him so that he could walk again. The scribes and Pharisees – spiritual experts and leaders – were appalled and disturbed. Forgiveness was not to be doled out by anyone. This brazen man was pushing it too far, for the Lord God was and is the only absolver of sin. As such, they spoke out vehemently against Jesus, yet they knew the scriptures of the Hebrew people. They knew of the times in history when God extended mercy and grace and when prophets proclaimed God’s goodness and hope. They stood by as Jesus’ ministry continued, displaying the reconciling and healing love of God over and over, bridging the spaces of separation and pain and transforming lives.

We humans often trip over ourselves and become stumbling blocks for others. And sometimes, with God’s help, we come together to lift up those in need or show up for our friends who are grieving. Let us remember today that forgiveness and healing go hand in hand. They are more accessible to us through the witness and power of Jesus. May this good news inspire your words and your interactions this day.

Faithfully,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

What is your relationship with forgiveness? Do you avoid apologies and hope the topic will move on? Are you quick to ask for forgiveness or stubborn to accept apologies?

Reflect on where God is calling you to grow, heal, and learn as you ponder the gift of forgiveness this day.