Healing - Second Reflection

And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

                                                            Healing

We humans want to be made whole, and we often want easy resolution to our sickness. Some of us suffer from physical ills that life threatening and recent. Others are caught in a years' long, progressive illness that debilitates everything from our work to our relationships. And some are broken from deep, severe trauma. All of us have need for healing.  There are ads everywhere for "medicines" that will change our lives, from weight loss drugs and hacks to promised life changing equipment and natural formulas. Most of us have learned the hard way, that it is never so simple. We can go broke very easily. And yet, here we have a story of a paralyzed man, carried around on a bed. He had no view of anything save the sky and trees, and had to rely on friends for any movement at all. Jesus saw him, saw his friends and was so very moved. Despite the loud noise and objections of the religious leaders, Jesus declared his sins were forgiven and then instructed him to get up and walk. The man listened to Jesus and that is our work today, to listen to Jesus and participate in our healing. Some may only be able to accept forgiveness, and some of us may be able to carry another's bed. We are all invited by Jesus to join in healing, with faith, hope and loving care for others.

Gracious Creator, giver of life and healing

you live among the suffering and outcast

you see those weeping in their homes

shut away from the beauty of your world.

We often put our faith in all the wrong things

spend money carelessly to make us better

yet you call us to carry each other and believe

that love can cure the brokenness of our world.

Make us full of faith despite the enormous pain

fill us with your hope despite all the darkness

open our hearts to those who can carry us

and help us to see and carry those who need us today. Amen.