Stretcher Bearer

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’
Mk.2:5

The faith of the four friends who lowered the paralytic down through the roof brought him the greatest healing he required... the forgiveness of his sins.

This story from Mark's Gospel tells me two things; intercession can move God's hand and, in God's eyes,  spiritual ailments are more serious than physical ailments. 

I hope I could have four friends such as the paralytics, brothers who would carry me physically or in prayer to the feet of Jesus. I hope I can also be such a friend. 

As for the universal need for the forgiveness of sins, I guess this is where our parishes become "hospitals in the field of battle" that Pope Francis desires us to be. I can be a stretcher bearer in such a parish, when not being the patient on the stretcher.