MATTHEW 9:1-8 WHAT DO YOU NEED MOST?
Year A, Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

When the paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, everyone expects one thing: a physical healing. But Jesus surprises them. His first words are not, "Rise and walk," but, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." Jesus sees a deeper need than anyone else can see.

We often come to God asking Him to solve our problems—to heal an illness, fix a relationship, or remove a burden. Those are good prayers. But Jesus always looks beyond our immediate needs to the condition of our hearts. He knows that the greatest healing we need is freedom from sin, fear, resentment, and anything that keeps us from living fully in His love.

Perhaps today Jesus is saying to each of us, "Take courage." Before He changes our circumstances, He wants to change us. Before He removes the burden on our shoulders, He wants to lift the burden from our hearts.

The question for us is simple: When I come to Jesus, what am I really seeking? Do I only want Him to fix my problems, or do I allow Him to heal my heart? Every time we approach Him, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in the Eucharist, Jesus offers us the deepest healing of all—a new heart, a fresh beginning, and the courage to walk with Him.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo