Monday of the Second Week of Advent
In an interview during the beginning of his pontificate, the Holy Father was asked, “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” He famously declared, “I am a sinner.” It was an answer that many qualified as surprising, shocking even, coming from the mouth of a pope. But it is a reality that every Christian must come to accept for themselves. We are sinners.
In today’s gospel passage, Jesus sees the man on a stretcher for who he truly is, a sinner. His first words to the paralyzed man are not, “Rise and walk”, but rather, “your sins are forgiven.” The power of Jesus’ healing is manifested first in the man’s soul, then in his body.
In this season of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Jesus into our hearts, into our souls, and every aspect of our being. Let us recognize ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior, who comes to heal us with his love.