Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

Israel’s faith was based on the liberating events of the past. So Isaiah’s words,  “Remember not . . . consider not,” must have been unsettling. The prophet was  probably calling the people away from inordinate dependence on the past, a  dependence that prevented them from seeing the astonishing new thing that  God was accomplishing before their very eyes. Faithful reverence for tradition is  one thing, but insistent absorption in it is quite another. While the new way that  stretched out before them was truly astounding, most amazing was the transformation that took place within them. Though sinners, the merciful God wiped away  their guilt, and once forgiven, they were recreated.  

Paul is forced to defend the merit of his apostolic ministry. He does so by  basing his defense on the trustworthiness of God. He argues strenuously that  his ministry never demonstrated such inconsistency. He offers three examples  of God’s faithfulness. First, Christ is the center of his preaching. Since there is no  inconsistency in Christ, there is no inconsistency in his preaching. Second, all of  God’s past promises have been fulfilled in Christ. And third, those baptized have  been sealed with the Spirit of God. This presentation of God’s plan serves as an  argument in defense of Paul’s ministry.  

Jesus’ forgiveness of the man who came to him to be healed sets up the conflict  between Jesus and the scribes who were present in the witnessing crowd. While  they are correct in believing that only God can forgive, they are blind in not recognizing the power of divine forgiveness active in the person of Jesus. Knowing what  the incredulous scribes are thinking, Jesus challenges their silent condemnation  of him. He points out that forgiving sin is more difficult than healing, so the healing is merely an external sign of internal transformation. The man is sent home  forgiven and healed; the crowds are astounded and give glory to God. Only the  scribes remain unbelieving. 

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