Loving Friends

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 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 fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so 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, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ Mark 2:1-12

Loving Creator, you formed us in your image

with hearts and hands for helping others

with creativity and imagination abounding

and in all our days you supply more than enough.

There are times when we are too spent

and times when we must ask for help ourselves

yet in all these times you give us abundance

and shower us with healing and loving friends.

Some saw a broken roof as destruction

yet all witnessed your love and miracles

you honor those who are willing to try

blessing and healing everyone who cries out.

Help us to be loving friends in your name

followers who will walk with the least

let us be those who use are strength and minds

so that all might reach your loving hands. Amen.