Psalm 50; Gen. 39:1-23; 1 Cor. 2:14-3:15; Mark 2:1-12

When a paralytic was carried to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the crippled man of his physical ailment.

I want to be like the four men, who through undeterred sheer faith, accomplish their mission to carry their friend to the source of forgiveness and healing. But in truth, more times than not, I am the paralytic, unable on my own to make a positive act of faith.

We need one another. We can’t do it alone.

As a community of faith, we are called to be sensitive to the needs of others, to give expression to God’s rein, to live out the life of the Spirit in ministry, care for people and to do whatever that caring requires as the highest priority. The person who needs us the most may be in Haiti, or sitting in the pew next to us.

Loving and merciful God, forgive us and deliver us from our paralysis. Give us Christ’s eyes to see and to help those who suffer. Through your grace, help us to trust in you and allow you to help us to “carry” others who may need your forgiveness and healing.