As the Lord Jesus healed the man with palsy (Gospel), and forgave his sins, we are reminded that in Baptism we were cripples spiritually who were cured by God’s medicine. The Holy Eucharist gives us strength after Baptism. Prefigured by Moses in Old Testament times, as he built an altar upon which sacrifices of animals were offered, the Sacrifice of the Cross is our method of atoning for sins (Offertory). The Secret continues the message that through the Communion in this venerable Sacrifice, we may follow worthy lives. The Communion encourages us to receive the Holy Bread of the altar of sacrifice while the Postcommunion thanks God for His Holy Gift of Communion.
Today is Feast of SS Cyprian and Iustina Mm. It was said that St. Cyprian was a magician, living in Antioch, who attempted to seduce St. Iustina, but was converted by her. Both were martyred under Diocletian about 304. Their relics lie in the baptistery of the Lateran at Rome. Although not commemorated in Masses using the 1962 rubrics, we should ask their intercession to convert friends and family who have fallen by the wayside into impurity.