today's other readings are Hebrews 4: 1-5,11 and Psalm 78
I have always been deeply moved by this story of the healing of the paralytic man.
Of course, there is the compassion of Jesus - who first forgives the man's sins, and then heals him.
There is also the compassion of the man's friends. Despite all the obstacles they faced, they brought him to Jesus. How they must have loved that man!
But St. Mark has a few other points to share in this story. First, we see the power of heaven and earth coming together in Jesus. Jesus' coming into this world, His Incarnation, unites divinity and humanity, and now God's powers are shared by Jesus, the Son of God, through words and touch. God is no longer distant in heaven; God is present among us.
Secondly, the roof of the house is opened up to make it possible for the paralyzed man to be brought to Jesus. The imagery of the roof being opened recalls what happened in His baptism (Mk. 1: 9-11) the when the heavens are opened and the Spirit descends upon Him and we hear the voice of the Father who tells us that Jesus is "His beloved Son."