The Love of Friends

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

It must have been a remarkable sight, folks all crammed into his home, an overflowing crowd to be near Jesus. Outside some folks were carrying their friend on his small pallet and no one inside would make room for them. Despite the fact that these people were crammed in to see Jesus, they behaved like normal human crowds, pushing and shoving and not letting anyone get in front of them. This did not  deter the friends. Deep love, make space. Deep love digs through the roof and is not kept back by human or physical obstacles. And Jesus saw their love and their faith and made their friend well. May we be those who love deeply and who are not deterred when drawing near to Jesus.

Gracious Creator, who knows all of our needs

we draw close so that we might be healed and renewed

and you delight in our faith and make us whole again.

Sometimes we forget to see your face in the crowd

we let the human barriers and obstacles overwhelm us

and believe there is nothing more you can do for us.

Help us Lord to have the deep love of friends

persistent and faithful despite all of the many barriers

so that love can draw near today to those who are aching. Amen.