The other day I had lunch with one of my closest friends. It’s not like him to get into a slump and call for prayers; he’s usually the stronger one who prays for me when I’m feeling broken. Deciding that prayer always pairs well with a little something for the tummy, I showed up with a few sandwiches and two cookies.
I sat there listening to him share about the cloud that overshadowed his morning; watching intently as he struggled with feelings of frustration because a genuine act of his heart to help someone had been taken the wrong way, causing an uneasiness between the two. There’s not a bone in this man’s body that would not want the best for others. He loves with every fiber of his being. To see him feeling defeated made me sad.
Oh, how I get it! I thought of the many times I’ve tried to reach out to someone in the spirit of love and was taken the wrong way. Our world seems to have reached the point where often a good intent is misconstrued as a deliberate attack.
In today’s gospel reading (Luke 5:17-26), some friends took their paralyzed buddy to see Jesus and, because there was no room to go through the door, they carried him around the building looking for a way to get to the roof, then lowered him in. Jesus, astounded by the friend’s faith (and tenacity), chose to heal the paralytic both physically and spiritually. He provided a miracle, not because the unwell man asked, but because of his friend’s optimistic faith.
From that point on, how could that man not know he was loved? How could he not be overwhelmed with joy that his buddies cared enough to go through all that trouble or that the Son of God would stop his preaching for an intimate exchange resulting in a miracle? Put yourself on that mat. How would you feel in that scene?
Twenty-nine years ago, my lunchmate lowered me in front of Jesus. I was sick and paralyzed. I didn’t want to be laid on a stretcher and I sure as heck didn’t want to get that close to Christ. But my friend didn’t care. I owe a lot of who I am today to his optimistic faith. He, with a few others, ignored my kicking and screaming, saw that I was sick, and took matters into their own hands. (Admittedly, I respect a person who ignores my stubbornness and perseveres in spite of it!)
We don’t generally realize how sick we are until after we’ve been healed. We get used to feeling miserable because we’ve felt that way for so long and can’t remember what it feels like to be healthy and happy. I was there. I didn’t realize how miserable I felt until I met Jesus and allowed him to heal my brokenness. I’m thankful I had friends who, like those in the Gospel, were tenacious.
After listening to my friend’s lament, I leaned across the table and gave him a big hug, reminding him of what an amazing good he did in my life, and thanked him for not giving up on me. I assured him that it didn’t matter what the person with whom he had the confrontation thought. God knew his heart and intent, and would certainly make good of this in the long run. The man might not come to know my friend’s act of love immediately; it may take weeks, months, or maybe even years, but one day it will hit him. Hopefully he’ll be humble enough to come back and receive the love offered to him.
We are in the second week of Advent, the week of love. It does not matter what the world thinks we are celebrating on the 25th of this month. They can eliminate the name of Jesus all they want. This does not take away the fact that this “holiday season” originated because of the birth of Christ. It’s not a mere bible story; it was an event recorded in history. Without Him there would be no reason for vacation days off, presents, parties and decorations. Most importantly, there would be no one to have taught us how to love without condition.
As we prepare to usher in the Author of Love, let’s take some time to focus on the strength of our faith and ready ourselves to stand before the Babe. Are we a good friend to someone who might appear as being a lost cause? Do we care enough about them to press on in spite of their rejection, kicking, and screaming because we know with utter certainty Jesus can heal them and make their life so much better? No one is without hope. Rather, it is whether or not we have enough faith to believe in them.
I am reminded in today’s Scripture that it doesn’t matter whether or not those for whom I pray have any faith. All that matters is that I continue carrying them, even if it’s only spiritually. No act of love will ever go without reward. I am thankful at least one person didn’t give up on me. Because of him my life changed for the better. I pray one day there will be those who are as equally thankful I never gave up on them. Love is meant to be passed on.
With Passion and Purpose 