“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”–he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.’” (Mk 2: 9-11)

Our Lord comes to us with a mission from God the Father: to bring us back to unity with God and to remind us of our dignity as God’s children. The Son of Man’s “authority to forgive sins on earth” is crucial and is the first step to any miracle. When we are united with God, we are united with others; when we are united with God, we experience our full dignity.

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, ‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.’ The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.” (Mk 1: 40-42)

We can come to Our Lord with all kinds of weaknesses and sins, and His only reaction will be exactly the same—“moved with pity.” There is only one condition: come to Him and say, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

“Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“For it was not the angels that He took to himself; He took to himself the line of Abraham”. (Hebrews 2:16)

“What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?” (Ps 8)

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4:19)

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1, 11)

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” (Mt 4:16, Gospel Acclamation)

“Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” (Mt 4:23, Gospel Acclamation)

“The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.” (Lk 4:18, Gospel Acclamation)

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. (Mk 6:50-51)