warm air rises

Mark 2:1-12

Standing by our refrigerator with the door opened early in my life I discovered that in deed it was true.  My cold feet and warm head was the experiential knowledge needed to affirm the fact that warm air rises.   Hot Air balloons are named just that, well, because it is heating the air that causes the balloon to rise.  Warm air rises and in doing so it helps us rise as well.  

The young man in today's gospel was lifted high.  He rose on the warmth of love exercised by the four young man who because of their faith were willing to lift him and carry him to meet Jesus.  There were no obstacles too big, for with faith, we can "scale any mountain and leap any wall (Psalm 18:30).  The warm love of others helped him to rise.  

Once he was in the presence of Jesus, he reached new heights because the warmth of divine love gave him the necessary lift to soar, "rise, pick up your mat and go home."  

"Rise!"  Jesus came to give us a boost, to lift us high, to help us soar.  With him we are no longer bound, we are no longer held to the earth, but rather our soul shall fly like a dove as it rises on the warmth of divine love that issues forth from the wood of the cross.  

   

The goal of every man's life is, in fact, to rise to the loftiest peace of spirit, by rising into a living relationship with God, which is love centered on mercy and forgiveness.  The eternal flame of divine love always fueled by mercy seeks to lift us to to new heights.

May the warmth of God's love enflamed by mercy lift you high.

"Rise" be on your way home.