Gospel: July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026 (Thursday)

13th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalter: Week 1 (Green)

Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

1st Reading: Amos 7:10-17

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to his hometown. Here, they brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. Jesus saw their faith and said to the paralytic, “Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven.”

Some teachers of the law said within themselves, “This man insults God.” Jesus was aware of what they were thinking; and said, “Why have you such evil thoughts? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up! Take your stretcher and go home!” The man got up, and went home.

See Also

Negros teachers go on a trek for their IP pupils

When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised God for giving such power to human beings.

Reflection:

Light and darkness coexist within us.

Sin can lead us to total paralysis, preventing us from loving and raising a cloudy wall that confuses light with darkness. Today, we speak little of sin as if it were an innocent fragility without consequence. But this is not the case: light and darkness coexist within us. We are born with this burden. However, there is good news: we can free ourselves from it. From this perspective, spiritual life consists of seeing ourselves in the light of God and identifying what distances us from Him. Looking inwardly, sin is not merely a transgression of divine command but a violation of God’s good plan for our full realization. It is God who created us, and He alone knows what builds us up and what destroys us. Sin is harmful because it can hurt and destroy us. With this perspective, discovering our shadows, giving them an identity, and being authentic in facing them are possible actions we can take, thanks to the enlightenment that the Holy Spirit provides. May the Lord help us entrust ourselves to Him, who can free us from all guilt and darkness!