Jesus, on seeing the determination of the friends of the paralysed man, declares, "My friend, your sins are forgiven you."

The paralysed man is often the situation of many caught in the confusion caused by sin, falsehood, error, anger and unforgiveness. And helpful friends and family members are needed to help us to move out of this paralysis.

Jesus clarifies that the Messiah's most important work is forgiving sins. And to double down further by proving His authority, Jesus restores the man's physical health. The man was healed physically and spiritually, got up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.

Thus, the words of the prophet in the first reading today are fulfilled by Jesus: "Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, "Courage! Do not be afraid." Jesus fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah: "Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming, the retribution of God; He is coming to save you." (cf. Is. 35:4).

Jesus will run a highway - a Sacred Way - that the unclean will not travel on, but the redeemed will walk on it untouched and safely, for Jesus is the Way.

Finally, the "ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing." They will come with everlasting joy on their faces. Joy and gladness will be theirs, and "sorrow and lament be ended." And this joy is palpable as we intone for today's response in the Psalm: