Through the Roof

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12


Through the Roof

Some days life's skies are blue
a breeze blows gently and traffic flows
everyone greets even strangers and there
is room for every one at the table.

Some days are darker struggling wiping sleep away
tottering through a rushed breakfast and hurried goodbyes
jamming breaks and pounding wheels the grind of life
wears us all down.

And yet other days we are paralyzed hurt and fear
injury and prejudice the scars of living keep us bound
tied to a soiled pallet on the ground
dust and filth rolling over us pain completely
in control.

We are locked out, a shadow on the edge
pounding to be let in aching for healing
dying for love.

In our deepest darkness, despair our only friend
the hands reach down, other rip the roof away
we are suspended for a time flying above the target
strong arms blistering on the ropes a steady guide
a gentle descent into the arms of love.

Love's healing is not an single pleasure
a community, everyone sharing the effort
sharing the possibility that sees no barriers
between us and God.