Which is Easier?

Gospel: Mark 2: 1-12

A doctor and medical professionals spend a great deal of time and energy in their work of healing people of their infirmities.  Even when the malady is curable, the work of medical care is not easy, and it is very delicate.  In that work the healing of a person is never instantaneous.  It requires time, patience, and constant observation.  Eventually the healing is completed.  It was not easy work for the patient or the medical professionals who cared for her.  

Now, consider forgiving the sins of another person.  It does not require years of medical study and practice.  It is a power all of us are capable of performing.  Yet, how hard we find it!  A person has done us a great harm, and we find it difficult to forgive.  It may take us some time to reach that point, but the moment of forgiveness is instantaneous, the healing immediate.  The act of forgiveness heals both the wrongdoer and the one who forgives.  

So, when Jesus asks the question - which is easier to do: say to another get up and walk, or your sins are forgiven - we might well ask that question of ourselves.  We come to realize the power of healing that we have within us: we have the power to forgive others, to effect a great healing on others and on ourselves.  Imagine if we used this power far and wide.  Imagine the healing we could realize in the lives of others and within ourselves.  Imagine...