Independence Day
From today’s Scripture: “‘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.”—Mt 9:4-7
It’s not typical for this reflection to pick up on national holidays, but doesn’t this reading speak to Independence Day? “Pick up your mat and walk!” Jesus tells the man who was reduced to lying in the public square, looking for pity. He was a poor man who could do nothing. His society told them there was something immoral about him.
Jesus corrects that. It is not immoral to be poor, to be dependent upon the help of others. But Jesus heals this man, makes the man less dependent, now able to stand on his own two feet. This Independence Day, let us not only remember the national struggle for independence. Let us also look into ourselves for true independence, that only Jesus can provide.
Let us pray: Lord, come into my life today. Heal me from all that is holding me back. Grow in me a healthy sense of independence, one that acknowledges my dependence on you and those around me, but one that empowers me to live fully.
Today’s author is award-winning author John Feister, Communications and Marketing Director for Glenmary.
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