Boundless Love
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea,
Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret
and tied up there.
As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
They scurried about the surrounding country
and began to bring in the sick on mats
to wherever they heard he was.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,
they laid the sick in the marketplaces
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;
and as many as touched it were healed. (Mk 6:53-56)
When I was a child, I used to love going on vacations. I would look forward to our summer trip each year. My father would pack us in the car early (around 4:00 a.m.) and we would hit the road, driving for a few hours before stopping for breakfast. Afterwards, we would pile in the car and drive again until either lunch or a fuel stop.
The trip would be invigorating. Sure, there would be the requisite bickering in the car between all the boys; but, the trip was great fun. We would play all sorts of games, check out the sights, and be quite “wired”. When we arrived at our destination, I would jump out of the car and be ready to go.
As I said, that was when I was a child.
Now, traveling is such a chore. There’s the trip to the airport, the going through security, and the waiting to board. Then there are the cramped seats and the usual howling child in the row ahead or behind me. If I’m really “lucky”, the screaming child is next to me.
The destination achieved, there is the transportation from the airport to the hotel. By the time I get to the hotel, I’m bushed. Instead of jumping out of the bus and being ready to go, I just want to unpack into my room and take it easy.
Jesus was always on the go as well. Travel back then was not quite as luxurious as it is today. There were no jets, no air conditioned motor coaches, no taxis. There was either feet, donkey, or boat (and we’re not talking cruise ships).
When Jesus got to the other side of the sea, he would have been tired. The travel would have taken something out of all of them. However, He could not bear seeing His people in need. Tired or not, Jesus would allow anyone to come to Him and He would heal them all.
Jesus’ example is one for us to follow. While we are on our own journey to the Kingdom, the travel may be exhausting. It may make us weak at times. We may feel we do not have the strength to continue. We may be tired and needy ourselves. However, when we are approached by others in need, we should be like Jesus and reach out to them. Jesus will be there with us, giving us what we need for the other person. He will also give us what we need for ourselves as well.
Tired? Weary? Sore? Grumpy? Not sure you can continue? Look to the Lord. He will be your strength this day.
FAITH ACTION: If anyone comes up to you today and asks for help, do what you can to fulfill their needs, just as the Lord does for you.