May the sick and those who are paralysed find someone who carries them to strength and healing.

We ask a blessing for ambulance and hospital staff who, like the men in the Gospel,

carry the injured on stretchers; may their service ease the pain of the suffering.

When Jesus returned, the crowd made it impossible for the people bringing the paralytic to get him close to Jesus. 

They made an opening in the roof

and lowered the paralysed man.  

Jesus said, 'Your sins are forgiven.'

Then he said, 'Pick up your stretcher and walk!' 

The man got up, picked up his stretcher and walked out in front of everyone.

They were all astounded and praised God saying, 'We have never seen anything like this.'