Faith Daily | 13 January 2023

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p526

Almighty God,

who anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit

and revealed him as your beloved Son:

inspire us, your children,

who are born again of water and the Spirit,

to surrender our lives to your service,

that we may rejoice to be called your children;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Mark 2: 1-12

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7“Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— 11“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Rev’d Graham

Two wonderful examples of faith are contained in this story – first that of the four who, despite everything else that was going on at the time, were prepared to take whatever measures were necessary, so that Jesus would be able to do something for their friend; and second the faith of the paralytic who accepted and believed Jesus’ words that he could walk and responded without hesitation.

What went through the minds of the audience when they saw the hole and the man being lowered? Whatever it was, it certainly didn’t phase the paralytic’s supporters. They believed something could be done for their friend and were rewarded for their faith.

And to amaze even further those watching and listening to Jesus, any doubts they may have had should have been dispelled when the afflicted man was no longer paralysed after hearing Jesus’ words.

From various and many incidents that we have heard of, where people have stepped out in faith or have trusted in what they have learnt of God’s power to heal either directly or through the agency of health workers, we are called to be open to God’s presence in Christ at all times. I know that there have been times in my life where this has not been the case, but I can be thankful when I look back and see that God has acted in love for the best outcome on so many occasions, and that my faith has continually been strengthened.

FINAL PRAYER

Thank you, Lord God, for making yourself known to us

and showing us the way of salvation through faith in your Son.

We ask you now to teach and encourage us through your word,

so that we may be ready to serve you;

for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.