Daily Gospel Reflection for July 1, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

So often, there are many approaches to any given challenge, and—even more frustrating to certain types of people (such as myself)—sometimes there’s not a “right” or “wrong.” Sometimes, there’s just moving forward, finding a solution, going to the next thing.

And it is in that space of what can so easily become overwhelming frustration that I hear Jesus lean in and whisper, as He did to the paralytic in today’s Gospel, “Courage, child.”

Oh, there’s more to the story, so much more. But it is in those two words that I can unpack the love and encouragement I need to take the next step.

A child has the freedom to trust, to let go, to know that someone else is in charge. But—and this is key, at least for me—it takes courage to trust. “Your sins are forgiven,” He says, and you’re invited to have the courage…to believe, to accept, to know that it is true.

“He’s blaspheming,” the Pharisees object, and I’m reminded of all the times I question an apology, a conversion, a resolution.

Sin is at the heart of my step away from God. Jesus looks at me, oh so gently, and reaches out His hand. Do I have the courage to take it? Will I offer my hand in return? Can I trust Him?

The crippling effects of my sin are a heavy weight. And yet, like the paralytic, I need only the courage Jesus points me to and the forgiveness He has for me.

Ponder:

When’s the last time you went to Confession? When can you make time to go in the next few days?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, give me the grace to take Your hand with confidence and joy, to reject my sin, and to walk on the path You would have me travel.

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Like the paralytic, I need only the courage Jesus points me to and the forgiveness He has for me. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Sarah Reinhard