Put yourself in the place of the paralyzed man who was carried on a mat to Jesus. Mats, as they were made two thousand years ago, were not as manageable and sturdy as stretchers are today. Also, being carried by four people doesn't make for a smooth ride. Moreover, if a paralytic would fall off a mat, he would not be able to break his fall. To make matters worse, the paralyzed man was carried up the outside steps of the house where Jesus was. These steps were probably not as even as those we are used to, and being carried on a stretcher up steps is always precarious. Imagine how the paralyzed man felt when he saw his friends dismantling the roof. Imagine being lowered through a hole in a roof with your friends holding on to the ends of your mat or possibly using ropes, rags, or a sheet to lower you. This is enough to give someone a heart attack, especially if he's already paralyzed. Finally, the paralyzed man was a sinner (Mk 2:5). This doesn't help a person have courage and faith. However, when Jesus commanded the paralyzed man to stand up, pick up his mat, and go home, the man obeyed and was healed (Mk 2:11-12).

God's grace is sufficient, even in all our weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9). Will you be the next one to get on the stretcher to be carried to Jesus?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016

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