Please read slowly and reflectively.

Slowly count to five at the end of each line.

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS ACCORDING TO MARK (FIRST READER ONLY)

They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four friends./

Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd/

They opened up the roof above him./

They let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying./

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven you."/

The Scribes asked, "Why does this man speak this way?/

Only God can forgive sins."/

Jesus knew what they were thinking./

He said to the paralytic, "Get up. Pick up your mat and walk."/

He rose and walked away./

THE SCRIBES ASKED,”WHY DOES THIS MAN SPEAK THAT WAY?/

They were all astounded./