Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin gets reflected in an unusual but effective way by photographer Keith Arkins at the start of Science Week held recently
Thought on Friday – January – 24/01/2014
‘Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying’ ~Mark 2:4
This is a story that always intrigues me. It’s a beautiful story, a funny one, a touching story and full of drama. We all know when there is a crowd in front of you it’s impossible to get through. We didn’t hear if they tried the back door but I’m sure that was jammed too. Anybody else would have either given up or waited patiently hoping to get in. But this group of people were determined, enthusiastic, totally focused and were quick thinkers. Most importantly they felt it was worth the effort because they believed totally in Jesus who could and would do something for them. He certainly changed their lives forever. Others like the Pharisees were grumbling, complaining and wrapped up in their own world. The contrast is stark in their negativity and the a amazing positive energy of the people up on the roof.
Who is Jesus for us? Do we have the enthusiasm and belief that Jesus is the one who can make things happen? We don’t have to climb roofs today to show our enthusiasm? Sometimes it’s even difficult to be enthusiastic. But whatever our level of enthusiasm is, Jesus is always the one who wants to reach out. No one can ever take that from us, not even a modern day Pharisee.
