Matthew 9:1-8: Taking Up Our Bed
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2021
They brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed . . .
Jesus says: Take courage . . . Get up . . . pick up your bed and go home . . .
God says: Each little incident that paralyzes you with fear is not from me. I only bring you love. Each enormous obstacle that looms before you is not from me. I only bring you hope. When you are paralyzed with fear, reach for me. When you are knocked off your feet, take up the bed of sorrow onto which you have fallen, and come home.
When we give ourselves over to fear we let go of God’s hand. When we languish in our sorrow and remain on our paralytic bed we reject the offer of newness God brings. If depression or anxiety overwhelm us we must seek professional guidance and help. God wants to convert the paralysis in our lives to loving acts of kindness, mercy and justice.
Image from: https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/fellows/pick-up-your-mat/
The Noontimes 