Think about whether your life is paralyzed by sin

Jesus said to him, "Get up, take the mat and walk." Immediately the man recovered, took his mat and walked. John 5: 8–9

Let's take a look at one of the clear symbolic meanings of this passage above. The man whom Jesus healed was paralyzed, unable to walk and take care of himself. Others neglected him while sitting by the pool, hoping for kindness and attention. Jesus sees him and gives him all his attention. After a brief dialogue, Jesus heals him and tells him to get up and walk.

A clear symbolic message is that his physical paralysis is an image of the result of sin in our life. When we sin, we "paralyze" ourselves. Sin has serious consequences on our lives and the clearest consequence is that we are unable to rise up and therefore walk on the ways of God. In particular, serious sin makes us unable to love and live in true freedom. It leaves us trapped and unable to take care of our spiritual life or others in any way. It is important to see the consequences of sin. Even minor sins hinder our abilities, strip us of energy and leave us historically paralyzed in one way or another.

I hope you know it and it's not a new revelation for you. But what must be new to you is the honest admission of your current guilt. You have to see yourself in this story. Jesus did not heal this man just for the sake of this one man. He healed him, in part, to tell you that he sees you in your ruptured state as you experience the consequences of your sin. He sees you in need, looks at you and calls you to get up and walk. Don't underestimate the importance of allowing it to perform healing in your life. Do not neglect to identify even the smallest sin that imposes the consequences on you. Look at your sin, allow Jesus to see him and listen to him say words of healing and freedom.

Reflect today on this powerful encounter that this paralytic had with Jesus. Get on the scene and know that this healing is also done for you. If you have not already done this Lent, go to Confession and discover the healing of Jesus in that Sacrament. Confession is the answer to the freedom that awaits you, especially when it has entered honestly and completely.

Lord, please forgive me for my sins. I want to see them and recognize the consequences they impose on me. I know you want to get rid of these burdens and heal them at the source. Lord, give me the courage to confess my sins, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus I believe in you