At Home

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the paralytic - "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" Mark 2:1-12

Today I was on my way to Point Lay for the Arctic Deanery meeting with Bishop Lattime flying this morning from Fairbanks. We arrived in Barrow late morning, and walked around for a bit in the bright cold air. This is my first visit to Barrow and I am trying to immerse myself in they way things are in this part of Alaska. This is a very different world than Sitka, very different from my home back east, and yet, familiar. The ocean is frozen here but the landscape is stark and breathtakingly beautiful. We waited in the airport for a long time, and watched family and friends greet each other and laugh together. We are now overnighting in Barrow since our flight got canceled sue to weather, and despite the distance from family and home, it is also somehow safe and familiar.

Word got out that Jesus was home and they came out of their houses. So many people in such a small space that they had to cut a whole in the roof. The ache at home to have healing was so great, that friends would help each other into the savior's presence. It was a comfortable and safe place and they crowded together as people do who are familiar and comfortable together. Jesus didn't just greet the man but brought him back to health. And we are invited to not only be comfortable and safe, and make the world safe for others, but to also seek healing and renewal at all times. At home or far away, we are invited to seek the healing we need right now.

As the day closes on an amazing adventure, I ask God to help me seek the healing I need for this time. May we all be eager to moved from comfort to compassion, from familiar to love - love willing to go to any length for the healing of others.