Forgiven

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Child, your sins are forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 'Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?' " - Mark 2:6-7

For many Christians, today marks the first day of lent, commonly known as "Ash Wednesday". Traditionally, it marks the beginning of Jesus's time in the desert - the 40 days leading up to the start of his ministry. Many of us are signed with ashes on the forehead, in the shape of the Cross, reminding us to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".

It's unfortunate that the scribes of the day had no idea that the most important man they could be writing about was in their midst. And instead of being instruments of the Holy Spirit by recording what Jesus was saying into a larger account of his life (i.e. A Gospel), they turned away from that opportunity and, instead, questioned his authority to teach.

Jesus is often questioned like this during his life - sometimes in awe and wonder, and other times with disdain. It's unfortunate that many in his day passed up this opportunity - and opportunity we can only dream, hope and pray for, and one that gives us only a written account to fully understand Jesus's life and teachings.

But there is a plus side to having lived so many years after all this happened. Because of the Gospels, we're able to build a faith that lets us see God's love, appreciate God's gifts, and recognize God's help in our everyday lives.

It makes turning away from sin a little easier, which allows us to be more faithful to the Gospels.