Weekly Sacred Spaces Video
Summer
Living the Gospel Today 
July 2, 2009
Jackie Robinson, who broke through baseball’s color barrier, faced jeering crowds in every stadium. While playing one day in Brooklyn, his home stadium, Robinson committed an error. The fans were merciless – the booing went on and on.
Robinson stood at second base devastated by the humiliation. Shortstop Pee Wee Reese left his position and stood next to Jackie. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and stared at the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said the arm around his shoulder saved his career.
Perhaps Pee Wee Reese felt a moment of intimidation from the crowd. But his love for Jackie, his admiration for his talent and his person, inspired Pee Wee to bury self-concern and stand true for his friend.
Love for a friend is also evident in the gospel story of the paralytic. Totally dependent on his friends, the paralytic listens to their encouragement, accepts their generosity and allows himself to be carried to Jesus. Although the gospel focuses on the paralytic, his friends deserve the spotlight also – for it is “their faith” that Jesus responds to.
Sometimes we are the friend beseeching our Lord to help our loved one. But sometimes we are the paralytic, dependent on the compassion and courage of our friends who sacrifice much to help us. We must be receptive to both roles. Helper and receiver of spirit filled help.
Is there someone today who really needs your special effort to stand with them or to stand up for them? Be confident that our Lord will receive your act of love. And if you are the one who needs to be healed – spirit or body or both – embrace the outreach of your friends. And by all means place yourself before Jesus. No one desires your highest good more than the source of all goodness! Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD
Gospel Reading of the Day July 2, 2009
And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he then said to the paralytic—’stand up, take your bed and go to your home.”
And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today's Prayer July 2, 2009
Dear Lord,
“Where will I find you this day? I’m looking for you. What words do you have for me? I’m open.”
“Follow me,” you say. “Where?” I ask.
“Where your joy is full; where your problems taunt you; where questions preoccupy you; where children need you. In the everyday moment – the exchange of a smile, the tough word you need to speak, the handshake you extend, the negative conversation you resist. In the promise you keep to follow-up through a get-together, a call, a card, a prayer.”
“Where else?” I ask.
“In my Spirit that speaks to you and through you. Be my eyes, my hands, my feet, my heart. Thanks for asking. I’m with you!”
Kathleen M. Sullivan, ‘82MA ‘87PhD
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