From the responsorial psalm: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:1-8)
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
As Jesus encounters a paralyzed man on a stretcher, he sees the faith of those who bring the man to him. The words, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven” trigger some of the scribes, who believe he is blaspheming. Jesus’ response to them makes clear that as the Son of God he heals physical and spiritual illnesses. “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” As the miracle of the man’s healing takes place, Jesus reveals his compassion and divine authority, inviting all of us to have faith in him as the Son of God who came to restore us to the Father.
From the collect for today’s Mass, celebrating our nation’s birth: “Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.