In describing this healing of a paralytic man Mark paints a very dramatic picture which is full of imagery. We see Jesus in the house surrounded by people eager to hear His every word. There are so many people that some have to stand around the door. Then come the four men carrying the paralysed man in search of healing. Determined to reach Jesus they carry him up to the roof of the house, remove the roof tiling and lower him right at the feet of Jesus. The words of Jesus are somewhat unexpected: "Your sins are forgiven." And they shock the Scribes who say - quite correctly - that only God can forgive sin. That Jesus does have this Divine power is immediately proved by the man being told to get up and walk. In the eyes of those present, the man's disability was the result of sin. Hence, no more disability, no more sin. But what really healed the man was the huge measure of faith which he displayed in Jesus. We might ask ourselves what are the things which paralyse us and prevent us from an unconditional following of Jesus our Lord.