March 1, 2026 Lent 2 and Week of Compassion
Mark 2:1-5
Introduction
It’s worth noting about our text for today that Mark does not give names, identities, or backgrounds of the four who carry their friend to Jesus. These pieces of information are of no consequence to Mark and this story because what matters is not who they are, but rather what matters is what they do. Beyond themselves, they saw someone—someone who was in need. And when they did they made a choice—a choice that included them refusing to look another way or leave him behind. And so they chose a way to go. Picked up their friend, and made their way to where Jesus was.
And in doing so a profound image of what Christian community looks like is made through their choice. But the image of such a community doesn’t stop there because soon they saw the way to Jesus was blocked. There was already a crowd and no way to get through. And then they made another choice—a choice to not give up.
The usual path to Jesus was blocked; the conventional way to Jesus was not an option. And so they made another choice—the choice to not to give up. Instead seeing the way blocked and just turning around and going back dejected, they made the choice of imagining a new way. And so up they climbed, and up they carried their friend to the roof. But there was no balcony, no veranda, no windows, no skylight. So they began to dig, and claw, and pull, and fight through the roof of the house, not stopping until there was finally a new way to Jesus. That was how deep their love for their friend went, and that is how deep their faith in Jesus was. Nothing was going to keep them from finding their way to Jesus.
Move 1
In a time marked by disruption, uncertainty, and rapid change, Week of Compassion is deeply shaped by the moment we are living in. Week of Compassion and many of the partners they work with are experiencing reduced resources, shrinking leadership capacity, and the increasing frequency of weather-related disasters, while political upheaval, economic volatility, and armed conflicts continue across the globe.
Yet amid these realities, Week of Compassion continues to witness to and help support human resilience, courage, generosity, faith, and hope. And this is their aim and focus because we face our own versions of blocked doorways just like the people in our Gospel story. And those blocked doorways today are exhausted systems, neighborhood divisions, disaster-stricken communities, immigration barriers, congregations stretched thin, and a world where recovery takes longer than anyone expected. And because of these blockades, the call of the Gospel remains the same today as it was in this Gospel story—We are to carry one another toward healing, even when the path is blocked, complicated, or unclear. That is the focus and the aim of Week of Compassion and the partners they work with all across the globe.
And so to tell us more about the work and ministry Week of Compassion and its partners are doing, I want to invite forward Charlie Redmon who has been working with Week of Compassion and its partners for years now as a recovery work site manager.
Charlie is going to tell us, show us, and remind us how we are called, and how we can, make a difference when we chose to go the way of Jesus by supporting human resilience, offering encouragement, and giving generously with the hope and faith that new ways to Jesus are always found.
Conclusion
Week of Compassion does not do this work alone. Like the four people who hoisted their friend up onto that roof, Week of Compassion’s ministry depends on long-term partnerships, collaborative networks, and communities committed to staying present long after the crowds have moved on.
This Gospel story reminds us that healing rarely happens in isolation—rather it happens when people come together and refuse to give up. When one person cannot take another step, someone else carries the mat. When the doorway is too crowded, someone looks toward the roof. When the world says there is no way, faith imagines a new way.
So wherever you find yourself, the call is the same: to move, to carry, to find a new way to healing and hope. Because there are still crowded rooms and closed doors all around us—people waiting to be lifted; places where love needs to break through. Through and with the ministry of Week of Compassion, we continue to see faith and love in motion where roofs are opened, lives rebuilt, strangers welcomed, and futures restored.
So may we keep rising, keep risking, and keep finding a new way… together. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer, March 1, 2026, Lent 2 and Week of Compassion
Gracious and Loving God, as we walk deeper into this Lenten season we walk to the crowded house in Capernaum, where the press of bodies blocked the doorway to you, while taking in the desperate love of four friends who found a new way where there was no way.
Lord of Life, we thank you that you are the God who sees our faith—not just in our words, but in our sweat, our effort, and our willingness to carry the burdens of others. Just as these faithful dismantled a roof to bring a friend into your healing presence, we pray you break down the barriers in our own hearts that keep us from truly seeing the needs of those around us.
We thank You for the privilege of prayer, but forgive us when we offer only words when our hands are needed to be the answer to those very prayers. Remind us that we are your hands and feet in a world that often feels isolated and forgotten. Strengthen us to carry the burdens of the weary. In times of struggle, may we be the ones who show up, who stay, and who prove to our neighbors that they are never truly alone. Grant us the courage to move beyond the comfort of our pews and into the lives of others with bold compassion, unwavering hope, and a love that acts. Make it that our faith, our acts and work of compassion, become a roof-opening faith that brings others directly to your grace, hope, and love in a new way—a life giving way.
And also, this day Lord, we lift up the unfolding situation between the United States and Iran, asking that your presence be made manifest in the midst of tension and uncertainty. We pray for the leaders of all nations impacted and touched by what is unfolding, asking that you grant them a spirit of restraint, wisdom beyond their own understanding, and a shared desire for the preservation of life. Soften hearts where there is hardness, and open doors for dialogue where they have been shut.
We pray your peace and safety covers those directly in harm’s way—service members, civilians, and families living in fear. Be a shield for the vulnerable and a comfort to the anxious. May your Holy Spirit move across borders to replace the threat of conflict with the promise of reconciliation and a new way to peace and abundant life for all your children.