Second Monday of Advent
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Luke 5:17-26 (HSCB)
On one of those days while He was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in Him. Just then some men came, carrying on a mat a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before Him. Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the mat through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus.
Seeing their faith He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”
Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think: “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today!”
Reflection
The friends of the paralysed man were not put off by the crowds, and their perseverance paid off. Through his encounter with Jesus, the man walked away freed from all that had bound him, both in his physical and inner life. He was healed, forgiven and restored.
This man could not have come to Jesus without help, and our need of others in life is worth reflecting on today. Bring to mind those who have carried us, supported us and stayed with us until our restoration began. Remember them with gratitude, and perhaps today get in touch with them, plan to meet up or simply drop a message of thanks.
If you recognise yourself in need of restoration, perhaps imagine the scene in your mind’s eye, and place yourself there. Bring your need to Jesus and listen to his response.
Today’s Music
Click to purchase “Born Again” Josh Garrels