Monday, December 6, 2010

Carrying our friends to Jesus...


The first time I saw Sister Connie Ruth walk, I wept. It was nearly one month ago in the therapy gym at Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital. I watched quietly, as two physical therapists stood on either side to help Sister stand. Then, with the use of a walker, Sister Connie Ruth took a step…and then another…and then another. By the time she reached the middle of the gym, I was handed a box of Kleenex by another staff member. The tears were unexpected and unrelenting. There was a time, not so long ago, when I thought I’d never see Sister walk again. It was truly a miracle to behold.

In today’s gospel the friends of a paralyzed man bring him to Jesus for healing. The crowd around the Lord was so dense that they opened up the roof and lowered him down. By his word alone, Jesus healed the suffering man. All were astonished as the paralytic picked up his mat and walked on legs that were thought to be useless. I suspect there was some weeping in that crowd, too, though the evangelist only tells us of the outrage of the Pharisees. It’s obvious why this gospel grabbed my heart today. We have been carrying our sister to Jesus in prayer for four long months. We expect Sister Connie Ruth to be released from the hospital sometime this week and return home to the monastery. Soon, my sisters with know the joy of seeing what I saw. God’s power is shining through both of our injured sisters as they continue to return to health. May God bless all the doctors, nurses and therapists who have given their gifts to this effort.

Blessings and love to you all…
- Sister Vicki