We continue our 'Reading Matthew in Lent' series today by reading Chapter Nine of St Matthew's Gospel.

Chapter Nine starts with the account of Jesus healing the paralytic. Then He calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him. Next we hear Jesus telling the disciples of John why his disciples won't fast until the "bridegroom is taken away from them". The chapter continues with stories of healing - the ruler's daughter is restored to life, the two blind men are healed, as is the demon-oppressed man who was mute. The chapter concludes with a description of how Jesus went throughout the cities and villages, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

'Reading Matthew in Lent' is a series of simple podcasts for the Lenten season offering a daily reading from St Matthew's Gospel from Ash Wednesday to Easter Monday.