Carrying the Mat

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

What a gift to have friends who help in times of need and illness! The friends of the paralyzed man were willing to do anything and everything to find healing for their friend. They not only carried the mat but made sure he saw Jesus by breaking through the roof. Jesus and these men also disregarded the religious leaders' criticism and judgement. The poor man, lying on the mat wanted only to be healed. The love of his friends brought him to Jesus. And Jesus healed him. May we be carriers of the mat, willing to break through barriers and criticism so others may receive healing.

Gracious Creator, source of all healing

you put your love in the hearts of all people

giving us the courage to stand up to bullies

and to break through all human barriers.

We are often too afraid to stand up to criticism

scared to be those who tear down walls for others

fearing that we will be punished and shamed

worrying about ourselves and not our neighbors.

Give us the courage today to carry the mats

making room in this crowded world for all

finding ways to bring the hurting to healing

and fearless in the face of ridicule and walls. Amen.