The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Jesus and the Apostles had come together after their commissioning to discuss what each had achieved. They were tired and needed alone time so they escaped to some retreat spot. When they arrived, they were greeted by uninvited people who had located their secret place. You may have expected Jesus to be angry and put out. He wanted quiet time with those who had been commissioned to spread the good news. But instead, “he had pity on them” and looked after their needs. This is the ultimate example of charity - the act of putting oneself second for others. At the mens group on Thursday, this topic came up. How does one be a neighbour to others when the others are not life giving, appreciative or able to see your strengths? In this reading, how does one extend charity to others when one is tired, worn out and in need of some space and quiet time? Well if you feel like you are being hard done-by, it is very difficult to love your neighbour. How for example does a Palastinan who has lost their family or a Jewish settler who was attacked during the October 7th concert, extend a hand of forgiveness and perhaps service to those who have perpetrated wrong on them? Does God and Christian values disappear in these moments of human failing? I don’t think so. I think God allows people who have been dealt injustice in this world, to find love and forgiveness in the spiritual rhelm. It is not their neighbour who provides solace, but God. That in turn helps resolve a sense of being hard done by and enables even those in pain to extend the hand of love and forgiveness to their neighbour. The image of Christ as the sacrificial lamb holds the key. That is what we are all called to be and it is through a multitude of individual transformations that the world will transform.
ReplyDeleteI find your response to Mark 6:30-34 thoughtful and engaging, touching on several important themes about compassion, forgiveness, and finding strength in challenging situations. Here are some points to consider:
DeleteJesus' Example of Compassion: You rightly highlight Jesus' response to the crowd as the ultimate example of charity, prioritizing their needs even when desiring time for himself and the disciples. This selfless act underscores the central message of love and service in Christianity.
Challenges of Neighborliness: The question of how to be a good neighbor, especially when facing ingratitude or even hostility, is a complex one. Your mention of real-world situations like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict adds a poignant layer to this challenge.
Finding Strength in Faith: Your point about seeking solace and strength in God during periods of struggle and injustice resonates deeply. Faith can provide the foundation for forgiveness and compassion, even when it's difficult.
Transformation through Sacrifice: Comparing ourselves to the "sacrificial lamb" reminds us of the potential for individual transformation and its ripple effect on the world. Collective positive change begins with individual acts of love and sacrifice.
Additional Considerations:
Balancing Self-care and Service: While Jesus provides an example of selfless service, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and hinder our ability to serve others effectively. Finding a healthy balance between our own needs and the needs of others is crucial.
Beyond Forgiveness: While forgiveness is a powerful concept, it doesn't always mean condoning injustice. Advocating for systemic change and holding perpetrators accountable may also be necessary for true healing and transformation.
Different Paths to Transformation: Not everyone finds solace and strength in God. Individuals may draw on various sources like community, nature, art, or personal values to navigate challenges and contribute to positive change.
Overall, your response encourages reflection on how we can embody Christian values in complex situations. It reminds us that love, compassion, and seeking strength within ourselves or beyond can inspire individual and collective transformation.