18th Sunday After Pentecost Reflection: Forgiveness Before Healing

Traditional Latin Mass Sunday Reflections

In this week's reflection for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, we explore the powerful Gospel story of the paralyzed man whose four faithful friends literally tore through a roof to bring him to Jesus. What does it mean that Christ forgave the man's sins before healing his body? How does spiritual paralysis trap us in ways we don't always recognize? And what can we learn from those determined friends about our own call to carry others to Christ? Drawing from the wisdom of Saints John Chrysostom, Augustine, Ambrose, and Teresa of Avila, this reflection challenges us to see confession as the place where Jesus still speaks those life-changing words: "Your sins are forgiven." A thoughtful meditation on faith, friendship, and the courage to bring those we love into the presence of the Divine Healer.

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