Paralysis is not only caused by a spinal cord injury. Many things paralyze us, prevent us from getting up and doing what we are made to do. The people were paralyzed by moral religion and the rules. They were paralyzed by internalized oppression and fear of the Roman army. There was (and still is) a great deal of judgment, shaming, and hypocrisy going on in the religious community. Sinners are law breakers, offenders, rule breakers, wrong doers. Sometimes people are treated as criminals and not as human beings. People are seen as 'bad' or 'dangerous' or 'offensive'. They are treated as subhuman, untouchable, lost losers. Minorities know what it is like to be abused to the point of paralysis, afraid to go out in public or to stand up for one's self.
People are still paralyzed by abusers of power, by fear, by guilt or shame, by vulnerabilities, inadequacies, and perceived incompetence. People are paralyzed by their own egos, their own need to be above the rest, their need to succeed. The stress caused by these things is unhealthy. Some people are even physically disabled by these spiritual, mental/emotional struggles. I wonder if this person was depressed? Or grieving? Or in pain? Empathy never dismisses or ignores the other, but invites them in for healing and hope.
Jesus sees people as children in need of forgiveness, so that we can stand up and live.
I think the four friends who bring the paralyzed person to Jesus represent the mission of the church. We are called to bring people to Jesus, who are paralyzed by shame, guilt, grief, anger, mistrust, fear, etc...
Jesus represents the God who gives us freedom. We are freed from the power of sin, telling us we are bad, broken, and worthless. We are freed from judgment and condemnation--God's or other's. We are free to be the person God made us to be, to exercise that freedom to become children
n of God and coworkers in the ongoing stewardship (act of love) of creation. We are invited to stand up with those who are oppressed and broken, threatened and afraid. We are challenged to confront hypocrisy and moral condescension. We are invited to enjoy the fruit of the earth and to share it abundantly with those who need it the most, every day. Nothing should prevent us from thriving or helping others to thrive in God's world.
What paralyzes you these days?
How do yo hear Jesus' message of forgiveness? Does it free you to be your created self?
