A young man, a paralytic
Was brought to Jesus, probably frantic
He wanted desperately to walk,
Instead Jesus knelt by him and began to talk

He comforted him, then said: "I forgive your sins"
The crowd was surprised
They'd expected instant cure of a man who was paralyzed

On this Independence Day, the priest was preaching
From Matthew, and I listened closely to his teaching

He spoke about the paralysis of sin
Which is like a stone, cast into waters, causing ripples
Spreading outward, causing us to be cripples

All of us need forgiveness
Yet some feel so guilty, they are afraid to confess

Jesus asked, "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven"
Or "arise and walk?"
He then held out a healing Hand
And the paralytic was able to stand

On this Independence Day, may we be free from guilt
For us, Jesus' and our military's blood was spilt.