Mt 9:1-8
1[Jesus] entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. 2And 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.” 3At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 7He rose and went home. 8When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.
Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Evil thoughts are the real paralysis that needs healing! They paralyze us and keep us from opening to other people and to the Lord’s graces. They enclose us in our own misery, firing up the anger, jealousy, or depression welling in us.
I went up to my room after Mass one Sunday, frustrated and mad at a friend who did not even bother to greet or approach me. As soon as I reached my room, I got a text from her telling me that with so many people wanting to speak with me after Mass, she opted not to join the rushing crowd and to call me instead when I would be in my room. Ah, the evil thought almost ruined my day, when it meant nothing after all.
Evil thoughts are usually selfish or self-serving, putting our ego before the situation of others. Before you entertain evil thoughts, ask first Jesus’ question, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts?” Often it is easy to do good, a lot tougher to think good!