Jesus cures a paralysed man: Mark 2:1-12
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus returned to Capernaum and word spread that he was back in the town. Do I spread good news when and where I can?
Jesus was preaching when some people were trying to get a lame man to him. How do I feel when my plans are interrupted? How do I react in a crowded space?
The sick man’s friends could not get into the house. How did they solve the problem?
The sick man’s friends went up onto the flat roof-top, removed some tiles and let the paralysed man down through the hole they had made. How did the paralysed man feel as he was let down into the room below? Do I trust my friends as he did? Do I trust God in the events of my life?
How did the people in the room feel as they saw the man being lowered into their midst? What sort of judgement did they make of these ‘intruders’?
How did Jesus respond to the man’s need?
Enter into the scene
Our friend Joel had a bad accident which left him a paralytic. He had been such an active fellow, and it was sad to see him so desolate. I had heard about Jesus and his miracles, so I persuaded our little group to carry Joel to Jesus. The suggestion was taken up immediately, and we found a stretcher and bundled Joel aboard. We were laughing and joking as we swung along the road, hearing a crowd ahead of us, which indicated where the miracle worker was.
Our spirits dropped when we got to the house where Jesus was talking. There was just no way we could get into that building. The people would not make room for us. What were we to do? Then Joseph suggested that we might be able to remove some tiles from the flat roof and let the stretcher down into the room below. Joel wasn’t too keen on that; he had nearly fallen off the stretcher when we turned the last corner. But what else could we do? We carefully climbed the steps onto the roof and soon had the tiles in our hands, and a cloud of dust announced our arrival. We tied ropes to each corner of the stretcher and slowly lowered Joel into the room, right in front of where Jesus was standing.
Some people looked up and cried out in fear. No longer listening to Jesus, they were heading for the door! But Jesus, smiling, looked up calmly and said, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” I heard a gasp from Joel, and then the sinister murmuring of those fellows who think they own God. “This is blasphemy!” they shouted. But Jesus said, “Hold it! What is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say ‘Get up and walk? So I will prove to you that I have the power to cure and to forgive.” He turned to Joel and said firmly “My friend, get up, pick up your stretcher and go home.” Joel paused for a moment, then he rolled over onto his knees and got up. We were elated, and shouting praises and thanks to Jesus, ran out of the building, the crowd parting to let us through.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Am I aware of the needs of the people around me? Do I try to help my neighbours?
Am I quick to judge others before learning the whole story?
The paralysed man trusted his friends. Do I trust the good will of others?
Jesus healed the man and let him go home. When I do something for another person, do I expect them to repay me in some way?
Prayer
Lord, help me to be aware of the needs of those around me and to respond generously. Give me the strength to overcome difficulties as I strive to share your love with all people. Amen.