Lectionary: 283
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
Rather early in the current crisis, leaders in the VA hospital system realized the imminent danger of weariness, exhaustion, and burnout among caregivers. As part of their daily briefings about the epidemic and how to manage it, they introduced staff psychiatrists and counselors to lead meditation and relaxation exercises. The fifteen-minute sessions are offered several times a day in the hope that everyone working in the hospital might afford at least one moment of rest each day.
In today’s gospel we hear the Lord performing a similar ministry for his disciples. He urges them to let their hearts be untroubled, “…have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
Faith is no substitute for rest, relaxation, and recreation but it gives one the personal assurance, “I can do these things.” When the nurse believes her supervisor has her best interests at heart, she can step outside a few moments to enjoy the spring breezes and the sight of butterflies. When the physical therapist is confident of his place in the system, he can take time to flex, stretch, move, and breathe. They hear their superiors saying to them, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.”
Christians have an additional confidence; we believe our mission is already accomplished. The Son of God has saved the world by his death and resurrection. While we work diligently to fill our assignments, we do it in the assurance that the strife is o’er, the battle won. He has gone ahead to prepare a place, and afterward will come back to take us with him.
Many people suffer the temptation to martyrdom, to sacrifice themselves unnecessarily. They’re like runners who charge into a marathon as if it’s a hundred-yard dash. There can be many reasons for this foolishness, all them to related to ego. They would garner attention and admiration; they may suffer OCD. They suppose they must prove themselves worthy of God’s freely given grace.
Jesus insists, “Have faith in me.” There is nothing more he can do to prove his love for us. He has been born in poverty and cheerfully accepted its indignity and violence. The King of Heaven and Earth has lived under the authority first of Joseph and Mary; and later of Annas, Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate. He has been homeless, despised, libeled, tortured, and crucified. He has come back from the dead and filled us with his Spirit.
He has proven his love; we have only to receive it.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.