"Although we might use different words to describe it, most of us know what is killing us. For some it is the deadly rush of our lives; for others it is the inability to move. For some it is the prison of our possessions; for others the crushing poverty that dooms our children to more of the same. Few of us can choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them. To be saved is not only to recognize an alternative to the deadliness pressing down upon us but also be able to act upon it. Even those who have no choice but to be carried toward safety on stretchers will eventually be given the chance to take up their mats and walk, and even those whose legs still will not work can discover who agile a healed spirit can be." --Barbara Brown Taylor, "Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith"
"Stand up, take your mat and go to your home." These are the words Jesus spoke to the paralytic in Mark 2 who was lowered on a stretcher through the roof by four of his friends. It's a dramatic scene that has been played out on felt boards in Sunday School room ever since I was a kid. There are two interesting dynamics in this story. The first is the relationship between the paralytic and his friends. Everyone should have friends like this. Everyone should have friends who go way out of their way to steer us toward the source of healing and new life even if it means carrying us bodily on a stretcher! This is especially true in the LGBT community where our friends often become our adopted families. One of the keys to navigating life successfully is having good friends you know you can count on.
The second dynamic we need to examine is the relationship between the paralytic and Jesus. The command is given "Stand up, take your mat and go home," however the paralytic needs to own these words for himself. He needs to have the faith that Jesus is the source of haling and new life and claim this power for himself. Our friends may help us get there but, ultimately, we need to embrace the good news for ourselves. What is this good news? The good news that Jesus cares passionately for us and desires that we "have life and have it more abundantly." [John 10:10]
There will be some people, who will tell us that because we are gay or lesbian or transsexual that we are not worthy of God's grace and mercy. Don't listen to them. They want to put God in a box. However, it has been my experience that God is "unboxable." Just look at the story in Mark 2. Jesus is offering healing to this man, no conditions attached. The religious leaders can only cry "blasphemy" and grumble about Jesus' actions. He's not following the rules. He's not acting the way a good rabbi should. Jesus' gracious treatment of the paralytic remind us that God's love and grace cannot be contained by us or by our theology. It is open and accessible to all no matter what letter of the alphabet we identify with.
Barbara Brown Taylor is right. We know what's killing us. May it also be true that we know the one who offers us healing for whatever wounds we have sustained in this world. It's time for all of us to stand up, take our mats, and walk into the love and grace of God.
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