Through the Roof

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

The man who came through the roof, carried by friends who would not give up, has much to teach all of us, especially me. For these past months I have had to rely on others for the basics of life. I cannot walk on my own right now, so need a wheelchair and someone to drive me everywhere. The love and faithfulness of my husband, family and friends have helped me through and lifted my spirits. The love, mercy and healing of God is in their actions and their kindnesses. May we all share the love of God daily in what we day and do.

Gracious Savior, you open your arms

to those who come to you for healing

those who knock at the front door

and those who were lowered through the roof.

You refuse no one and open your arms

to the stranger, the fearful and the broken

welcoming and freeing all of us

from the burdens of our trouble hearts.

Help us to be ready to break through

all the roofs and barriers that inhibit love

and let our words and our actions always

be your love and healing made present here. Amen.