Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 2:1-12)

Lord Jesus Christ, You who saw the faith of those who brought the paralytic before You, teach us to trust in Your mercy even when our hearts feel weighed down and unable to move.

In Your compassion Lord You said, “Child, your sins are forgiven,” reminding us that healing begins in the depths of the soul. Free us from the paralysis of sin, fear, guilt, and despair, and restore in us the joy of being forgiven and made new.

Like the friends who lowered the sick man through the roof, Lord,

give us a faith that is bold, creative, and persevering, a faith that carries others to You when they cannot come by themselves.

Lord, heal the sick, strengthen the weak, and raise up those who feel crushed by the burdens of life. When we doubt Your power or limit Your mercy, open our hearts to recognize that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

May our lives proclaim Your saving love, Lord, so that all who see Your work in us may glorify God and say, “We have never seen anything like this”. Amen