Lift Teams

Most hospitals have a "lift team," usually burly lads who get some extra school income and finish a bunch of homework while on the job. They are on stand-by in case there is a very large person who needs to be helped into/out of a car, wheelchair, X-ray or other exam equipment, etc.

That image was part of my sermon today, as we offered a public liturgy of healing prayer. In the Gospel reading from Mark 6, we read that when Jesus was in the vicinity, "people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was." Those with the need couldn't always bring themselves to Jesus - but those who loved them did the lifting.

In Mark 2, Jesus heals a man who was lowered to him through a roof by a group of friends: "they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'My child, your sins are forgiven.'" (emphasis added). Again, the "lift team" is decisive in getting a person into the presence of Jesus and his power.

Give thanks for those who pray for you. Most of us have "lift teams" carrying us, even if we are not always aware. Most of us are probably part of a lift team for someone else at the same time. Let's keep setting one another "right down in front of Jesus."