Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Reflection by Virginia Pillars
Today's Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
The four friends lowering their friend through the roof to put him in the presence of Jesus resonated with me. Recently, a man with roots in our community was struck with the life-threatening infection MRSA. By the time the doctors diagnosed it, the harmful staph germ had spread throughout his body. At this writing, Justin has been in the ICU for over a month, hooked to a dialysis machine and a ventilator with many protruding intravenous lines.
Family, friends, co-workers, and strangers who cared joined for one cause. Each one brought Justin to Jesus to ask for healing. Collectively, they lowered Justin daily through the roof into the presence of Jesus. Similar to the four friends with the paralytic man, I know I trusted Jesus for His mercy and grace.
When Justin finally made progress, I rejoiced with his caring community and continued to pray.
As I read this passage, I thought about the four friends. We didn’t hear any more about them. How did they react when they saw their friend walk out of the hut? Did they fall on their knees in gratitude? Or did they just go back to their day-to-day activities? Did they realize their friend had his sins forgiven first? Did they think about their need for His forgiveness, mercy, and grace? After I placed myself into the Gospel setting, self-examination followed.
Ponder:
Am I the friend carrying the paralytic or the person paralyzed by my sins?
Pray:
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the many times You have freed me from a paralyzing sin and for Your love that makes it possible. Open my eyes and heart to the parts of me that need Your healing touch.
Copyright 2023 Virginia Pillars
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