Serving in the Shadows

"Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus" (Lk 5:18-19)

In today's Gospel we witness a genuine act of service. We learn of a paralyzed man who harbors hope that if only he can come into Jesus' presence some miracle will occur. How is he to find his way to Jesus?

Little is known of those who respond to his plea, but journey with him they did. They carry him to the place where Jesus is teaching but are unable to edge their way through the crowd. They could have said, "We tried. It could not be done." Instead, up to the roof they go, to create an opening and lower that hope-filled, paralyzed man to the feet of Jesus...