In the Gospel reading, we see the cure of physical sickness being connected with the forgiveness of sin. This was what Jesus did as He manifested His power to forgive sin through a cure.

This triggered the First Conflict with the Pharisees and Scribes and Jesus. By the cure and forgiveness of sin, Jesus fulfilled his mission (Lk. 4:18).

Similarly, we are called to concretely manifest our faith in Jesus' power to forgive and heal, especially through our prayers of intercession, particularly for those who need healing and forgiveness.

We experience this healing touch in the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we open ourselves to God in confessing our wrongs and sinfulness. By this, we will be graced with the Spirit of freedom and be able to experience what Isaiah said in the first reading: "... wilderness and drylands exult, wasteland rejoice and bloom.... strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees.... blind will see, deaf will hear.... Amidst shouts of joy...."

During this Advent season, let us allow the Spirit to liberate us from our past sins to welcome the Word to take flesh in our hearts and minds.