Let Down 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

The faith and love that friends and community have can change our lives. When I have been discouraged, it is my community and family that have helped me rally and not give up. They are my strength in weakness, my support when I am down. The man in this story had some really faithful friends, who would not give up despite the crowds and the roof. They broke through the roof at Jesus' home, and Jesus welcomed them, rejoicing in their love and faithfulness.

Loving Creator, source of all faith and hope

you place us in community and family

to know your loving embrace in our need

and to know that healing is always at hand.

We give up too easily and loose hope

yet we are surrounded by witnesses

the ancient ones sing for us every hour

and we are never abandoned by you.

Help us to be those who are always faithful

friends who carry our friend to the healer

suffering ones who trust in your healing love

and those who never waver from the care of others. Amen.