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."  

 

Mark 2:1-5

 

I love this story about the friends of the paralyzed man.  They must love this man SO much, to have gone through what it took to bring him under Jesus' loving gaze.  They overcame obstacles, exerted their corporate strength, and never gave up on their mission.  When they arrived at the house where "there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door," I imagine them putting their friend down and looking at the situation - at the people, at the house, the windows, the back door, the roof - thinking, together, how best to proceed, all determined to bring their friend to Jesus.  "What do you think, Shem?  There's a crowd at the back door, but there's a window up on the south  wall," offers Nate.  "Nah.  Window's too high.  Let me think."

 

Meanwhile, Dina's eying the roof and says, "Let's go through the roof."   "The roof!?"  "And exactly how are we going to do that?"  the fourth friend asks as the paralyzed man looks from one beloved face to another.  Undaunted, they take up their friend (and their digging tools) and, threading through the crowd ("Excuse us," "Sorry," "Uh, could we please get through here?"), they make their way to an outside stairway, leading to the roof.  Up they go; and then, on the roof, they take on the task of digging through mud and straw...digging a hole big enough to let down their friend.  And beneath them, Jesus, showered with dry dirt and itchy pieces of grass and prickly straw; Jesus, probably tired by the crowd pressing in, ready to be finished with this round.  

 

Even in the midst of the crowd, Jesus "saw their faith" and forgave and healed and restored their friend into the circle of their lives.   Makes me ask, "Is there anyone in my life for whom I have shown such faith and fortitude?  Is there anyone I have carried with such determination to Jesus?"

  

 

Dear Jesus, I want the faith of these friends and the tenacity of their intention.  Guard my heart and mind from the discouragement and timidity that would prevent me from bringing a friend your saving grace and the healing power of your steadfast love.  In your holy name I pray.  Amen. 

Lent 2014-Formation Ideas, Activities, and Resources - from Sharon Pearson