Universal Utterings

for January 16, 2026

A Godcast

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01-16-2026 Mark 2 v0112 When Jesus Saw Their Faith

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 2 Verse 1 thru 12

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”— 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

In Mark 2:1-12, we witness a powerful encounter between Jesus and a paralyzed man, demonstrating the profound nature of faith and the transformative power of forgiveness. The scene unfolds as Jesus returns to Capernaum, drawing a large crowd eager to hear His teaching and witness His miracles. Amidst this throng, four men bravely navigate the obstacles, determined to deliver their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Their faith—bold and unwavering—compels them to lower the man through the roof, laying him directly at Jesus' feet.

Upon seeing their faith, Jesus responds not with immediate healing but with a declaration that transcends physical ailments: "Son, your sins are forgiven." This moment encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ mission. It emphasizes that the spiritual healing is paramount, as He prioritizes forgiveness over mere physical restoration. By forgiving the man's sins, Jesus reveals His divine authority and the intimacy of His relationship with the Father.

For us today, this passage is a profound reminder that when we come to Jesus with faith, He sees our hearts and acknowledges our surrender. Just as the paralytic’s friends brought him to Jesus, we too can bring our burdens and sins before Him. Our faith in Jesus—acknowledging Him as our Savior—enables us to hear those life-giving words: "Child, your sins are forgiven."

In a world filled with struggles and burdens, we must remember that forgiveness is available through Him. The act of calling on the name of Jesus, surrendering our lives to Him, allows us to experience the fullness of His grace. As we continue to navigate our journeys, let us do so with faith that calls upon the one who forgives and restores. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

01-16-2026 Mark 2 v0112

** When Jesus Saw Their faith**

In Capernaum, the crowds amassed,

A healing hope, a moment vast.

Within a house, the whispers grew,

Of miracles that Jesus would do.

Four friends, determined, through the throng,

Carried their comrade, weak but strong.

A paralytic laying on his mat,

He yearned for healing—impossible? Not that!

Through roof and rafter, they made their way,

Lowered him down, where the Master lay.

With eyes of faith and hearts so bold,

They sought the healer, the promise foretold.

Jesus looked up, saw their desire,

And spoke with compassion, igniting a fire.

“Your sins are forgiven,” His words did flow,

A grace unexpected, a powerful glow.

Yet some stood by, with hearts full of doubt,

“Who can forgive? Who’s this? What’s it about?”

He sensed their whispers, their thoughts so unkind,

And called them out, revealing their mind.

“Which is easier? To heal or forgive?

So that you may know, let the truth eternally live:

Rise, take up your mat, go home in peace,

You received the power of God, His love will not cease.”

With a tremor of doubt, and a spark of faith,

The man stood up straight, embraced his new grace.

He walked through the door, with joy in his soul,

A miracle seen, both body and whole.

In awe, the crowd marveled, “We’ve never seen this!”

A testament of love, a moment of bliss.

Among the whispers of doubt and despair,

Hope walked in darkness, the light answered prayer.

From Mark’s telling, a lesson we find,

Of faith, of friendship, of love intertwined.

In seeking the Savior, in lifting the weak,

We discover the healing truth that our hearts long to seek. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

January 16, 2026 @ 04:41 AM EST

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