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Monday, December 11
Monday of the Second Week of Advent

Re-examining Our Thinkiing

In the middle of this vivid Gospel, in which Jesus heals a paralyzed man lowered by stretcher through a roof, is the blunt question of Our Lord: “What are you thinking in your hearts?” The words are directed at the Pharisees and teachers of the law who have just witnessed the miracle, but who are offended by Our Lord saying, “Your sins are forgiven.” A stubborn logic beclouds their thought: they are too confident of wrong being done. God alone can forgive sins: the man speaking pronounces words only God can say: therefore he blasphemes. It is amazing that they hold tightly to this cold analysis even after the paralyzed man stood up, picked up his mat, and walked. This refusal to re-examine their thinking, to backtrack from a harsh conclusion and realize the divine presence in their midst, is not so much poor thinking, a mistake in argument, but a grave error of soul. The scene recalls words of Saint John of the Cross: “The evil-minded see sin everywhere. Wisdom alone gives eyes of discernment. And only those who love are truly wise.” For our part, let us hear Jesus ask this same question of us, so that our perceptions, our habits of thought, are never separated from a desire to love present in our hearts. Let us grow in the wisdom of love.

Reflection based on Luke 5:17-26
Father Donald Haggerty

Loving Father, refashion my perception and perfect the way I think so that I may live in your wisdom.