Making Room

When Jesus 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

Wondrous Creator, you made a wide circle

a round circumference ever expanding

for all creation to stretch and grow

so that we might know you and be healed.

We humans like to exclude and shun

to cut out those who we fear and limit space

yet you make room for every single creature

and love us all with an equally full heart.

When the house was so full there was no way in

some friends opened the roof to help a friend

and you forgave them all and healed him

to show the wideness of your mercy and love.

Help us to be those who expand the circle

let us always be welcoming and inviting

let your love be so present with us all

that we might be your forgiving and healing here. Amen.