9. For astonishment had enveloped him, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish that they had taken.
10. Now the same was true of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were associates of Simon. And Jesus said to Simon: "Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching men."
11. And having led their boats to land, leaving behind everything, they followed him.
12. And it happened that, while he was in a certain city, behold, there was a man full of leprosy who, upon seeing Jesus and falling to his face, petitioned him, saying: "Lord, if you are willing, you are able to cleanse me."
13. And extending his hand, he touched him, saying: "I am willing. Be cleansed." And at once, the leprosy departed from him.
14. And he instructed him that he should tell no one, "But go, show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your cleansing, just as Moses has commanded, as a testimony for them."
15. Yet word of him traveled around all the more. And great crowds came together, so that they might listen and be cured by him from their infirmities.
16. And he withdrew into the desert and prayed.
17. And it happened, on a certain day, that he again sat down, teaching. And there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting nearby, who had come from every town of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present, to heal them.
18. And behold, some men were carrying in the bed of a man who was paralyzed. And they sought a way to bring him in, and to place him before him.
19. And not finding a way by which they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they climbed up to the roof, and they let him down through the roof tiles with his bed, into their midst, in front of Jesus.
20. And when he saw his faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21. And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: "Who is this, who is speaking blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins, except God alone?"
22. But when Jesus realized their thoughts, responding, he said to them: "What are you thinking in your hearts?
23. Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk?'