Mt 9:1-8 Life and Love
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After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”
The God-particle. Brainy scientists just recently discovered the “God-particle”, a sticky field that acts as a drag on other particles. It explains how elementary particles are imbued with mass. This historic discovery did not come easy. It took hundreds of scientists, researchers and engineers to do it and thousands of hours to accomplish it. It was another “one-small-step-for-man, one-giant-leap-for-mankind” moment. But let’s not forget: before the brainy scientists were smart enough to discover it, God was smart enough to create it and utilize it.
When asked if there were any practical results from their research, the answer came back, “Not directly.” What??? Not directly??? Isn’t this particle responsible for building atoms and making life possible? Isn’t that practical enough? I find it amazing how smart people can be so dumb. Maybe I should give them some slack. Maybe what they were trying to say was that they didn’t know how they could one day control it, manipulate it and twist it for our use…or misuse. Maybe they were thinking of that rather than how God used it.
The Christ-particle. Today’s reading and yesterday’s discovery reminds me of the “Christ-particle”; that grace that drives some friends insane and brings enemies closer together. Its sticky nature explains just how God can bind us to one another and to himself. Not only does it give life a fighting chance, it also lifts up the soul and acts as a drag to fighting and war. This ‘particle’ not only creates life, it also recreates it.
What is it? Forgiveness.
The greatest truth ever spoken came from Peter: “You are the Son of the living God.” Today, we have the greatest possible ending to a heart wrenching story: “Take heart, my child, your sins are forgiven.” But with the greatest love story lived came the greatest attack ever seen: “This man is a blasphemer!”
Are there any practical results from the “Christ-particle”? You bet! The forgiveness of our sins leads us to Christ’s heart and to a better understanding of what we are. It is the first fruit of love and is necessary for all human life. Without it we fight, we destroy, we kill, we die. But with it, we laugh, we smile, we cry, we grow, we thrive! It explains how we can live surrounded by a vacuum of evil and death. It explains how God was able to create beauty in the midst of chaos; how he was able to reconcile all things to himself.
We can’t live on bread alone. We can’t live on air alone. We can’t even live alone! The world is made up of tiny particles. Man is made up of tiny particles. But what is truly amazing is how these tiny particles can add up to life and love.
I heartily agree that forgiveness, though sometimes the hardest thing we can do, is also the one thing necessary for all relationships. My parents, brothers and sister and I have plenty of moments when we were not terribly loving to each other, but we forgave and moved on and there is a certain comfort knowing about our past and being able to laugh about it now. I can't imagine being married 20+ years without being able to FORGIVE. I have taught my children that they can be upset with one another, but eventually have to forgive and move on because that is how you learn to be a better person, by forgiving and also by asking to be forgiven!
ReplyDeleteMy brother in law never learned the grace of forgiveness. Rather he holds on to perceived wrongs and throws relationships away like they are used candy wrappers. His family (my husband included) are so fearful of his retaliation that they allow him to say and do what he wants without any brotherly correction or asking him to apologize, because they know he will throw them away (they actually don't know, they simply fear it to be true). He moved from one company to another because he can't work well with others and finally had to be in business alone because he can't forgive any slights. It may be wrong, but I constantly use his behavior to teach my children how NOT to be in life. Of course, he is not a Christian and mocks followers. It is very sad and difficult to interact with him and the in-laws at the few family gatherings we have because there is always a cold and uncomfortable atmoshphere that exists. Which I believe comes from the fear of his wrath. The fear of his lack of forgiveness.
Certainly forgiving is not the easiest thing to do. Many times, in the moment, feels pretty darn good to be angry and resentful. But, as you said in a past meditation, "holding on to that rock" only hurts you in the end. I wish the money spent on searching for the GOD-PARTICLE, had been used to directly benefit something truly useful in the here and now. And I wish those that mock Christianity understood the beauty of forgiveness. Mercy makes the world go 'round, not money!
Very good meditation Father.
thank you Anonymous for sharing...a beautiful addtion to Father's continued Truth in Love spoke in his daily meditations.
DeleteDear Father Alfonse,
ReplyDeleteIsn't today your birthday? Happy Birthday if it is!!
If it's not, when is your birthday?
No. It's not today! And I'm not telling :)
ReplyDeleteBummer. Was it July 2nd?
ReplyDeleteForgiveness comes very easy for me, but every time I hear a homily about this, one person who used to be a very close friend comes to mind. Although I've forgiven her, I won't forget what she did to me. But why when this subject comes up do I think of her? All day long after I read this meditation she was on my mind. And now speaking of birthdays, tonight my husband and I took our beautiful 22 year old daughter, (what a treasure she is!) out for her birthday dinner. :) Guess who was there? Yep, this woman who had been on my mind all day. What in the world is our Lord trying to tell me here?
ReplyDeleteThe picture with this meditation is so beautiful. It touches my heart on many levels actually. It's a reminder to me that our Lord loves us so much and is always holding us in the palms of His hands sheltering us from whatever evil is trying to creep in. It really tugs at my heart!
Happy early/late birthday Father Alfonse!!!
ReplyDeleteha! It's July 2nd!
ReplyDeleteI know when it is, but I don't remember how old you are. I think you must be 39 like me.
ReplyDeleteI know when it is and how young he is, but I won't tell. I would recomended to keep fr. Alfonse in our prayers in a very special way this month, just in case....... :)
ReplyDeleteBoy this got way off the meditation.....From Christ particles and forgiveness to the birthday guessing game? Post 4th of July blog fun!
ReplyDeleteAN 47 @ July31.2012
You are always in my prayers, Father. :)