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- A simple perspective . . .
The soul is the user, the body for use; hence the one is the
master, the other the servant.
- St. Ambrose
(The problem, for many, is they've got these roles reversed.) |
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GN 22:1B-19; PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
MT
9:1-8
After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven."
At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,
"This man
is blaspheming."
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. USCCB Lectionary
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Matthew 9: 1-8 (Jesus and the paralytic)
Today’s reading makes little sense unless we realize that Jews believed sickness was a manifestation of the power of sin in the world. By offering the paralytic forgiveness and healing, Jesus reveals his power over the
forces of sin.
* How does sin most often break into your life? Hear Jesus’ words, “Courage child, your sins are forgiven.” Pray for the grace to accept God’s forgiveness.
* Do you know someone who is sick, depressed, or
overburdened who would appreciate some support from you? Paperback, Kindle
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God and I: Exploring the Connections between God, Self and Ego, by Philip St. Romain, 2016 (2nd ed.) ____________ Chapter 4: The False Self System Repressed emotions, defenses, and a posture of willfulness distort Ego development in a manner analogous to how cancer distorts the healthy development of bodily tissue. Some writers have called this situation the “skin-encapsulated Ego,” as the Ego experiences itself cut off or isolated from the outside world. The natural sense of connectivity between the Ego and the outside world is filtered through defenses, leaving one
with a sense of living in a kind of psychic bubble. Inside this bubble, the life experienced is “mine,” while outside of it one encounters “not-me” or “other.” The natural perception of duality that makes relationships possible is exaggerated, especially if others are perceived as something of a threat to whatever level of inner harmony might exist.
Hardback, paperback, eBook and free preview versions.
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