Marist Association Daily Prayer

Let us always remember that

we are in the holy presence of God

May God continue to live in our hearts

In the name of the Father,

Son and Holy Spirit

Amen

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN
  • Intention of the Day
  • Today's Gospel
  • Breaking Open the Word
  • Marist Source
  • Reflection
  • Meditation
  • Call to Action
  • Closing Prayer

Intention of the Day

For a deepening sense of communion with each other, and with all creation.
Marists at St Francis de Sales College, Leeton.

For a deepening sense of communion with each other, and with all creation.
Marists at St Francis de Sales College, Leeton.

Today's Gospel

The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins

Mark 2:1-12
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Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word went round that he was back; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door. He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some scribes were sitting there, and they thought to themselves, ‘How can this man talk like that? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins but God?’ Jesus, inwardly aware that this was what they were thinking, said to them, ‘Why do you have these thoughts in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven” or to say, “Get up, pick up your stretcher and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he turned to the paralytic – ‘I order you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go off home.’ And the man got up, picked up his stretcher at once and walked out in front of everyone, so that they were all astounded and praised God saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this.’

Breaking Open The Word

What’s in a Title?

Taken from: Give Us This Day
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Taken from: Give Us This Day

Jesus often refers to himself as “Son of Man” when he wants to make a particularly important point. Today’s passage is the first instance in Mark’s Gospel, but he uses the term on multiple other occasions, all without further explanation. Audiences knew something about this epithet and also understood why religious authorities reacted negatively to how Jesus used “Son of Man” with confidence. In Mark’s final
instance, when asked by the High Priest if he is the Messiah, Jesus will not reply “yes” or “no.” Instead, he will combine a striking passage from the prophet Daniel with an image in Psalm 110:

You will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,
and coming with the clouds of heaven.

Many of those first hearing the Gospel would have anticipated a glorified “Son of Man” bringing about God’s final triumph that involved some kind of restoration, perhaps of the Jewish people, or of Jerusalem, or of a new and lasting way of living in covenant with the merciful and all-powerful God. In today’s Gospel, we see and hear Jesus emerging from humble beginnings to heal ordinary people of their ailments. Challenged for also forgiving sins, which only God can do, Jesus assumes the title of the “Son of Man” and under its authority directs attention towards those in need, for whom the Son of Man is coming. With each new instance of his use of “Son of Man,” we learn more about his message of mercy, justice, and reconciliation. The important point is that the Messiah turns out not to be a king or political leader, envisioned by the prophet Daniel as coming in glory during stressful times. Rather, the Messiah is this Son of Man who is doing the work of God—living among us, caring for us, and like us in many ways.

This Jesus, who healed a paralytic after first forgiving his sins, is God’s presence among us.

John Borelli

John Borelli, a historian of religions and a theologian, serves as special assistant for Catholic identity and dialogue to the president of Georgetown University.

For a deepening sense of communion with each other, and with all creation.
Marists at St Francis de Sales College, Leeton.

Marist Source

With Mary of the Magnificat, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift of Marist spirituality…

WFR #156

For a deepening sense of communion with each other, and with all creation.
Marists at St Francis de Sales College, Leeton.

To Ponder

“Your sins are forgiven”.

What do I need to speak to God and ask forgiveness for?

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Where has the Spirit drawn you in today's prayer?

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Closing Prayer

All Loving God

Cultivate in us a spirituality that flows out of Marian simplicity, humility and modesty.

Release in us wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement for your work in which we share.

Help us set our gaze on those people and places most in need of Christlife,

Impel us to respond together,

And lead us to be in communion with one another, and with you.

Like Mary, we listen for your invitation,

Like Mary, we set out joyfully and in haste to the hill country of the lives of young people,

Like Mary, we build communities in ways that are Christ-centred.

All Loving God, come and live in our hearts.

 

 Amen