Lifeworks

Healing Pool of Bethsaida

Sometimes doing the right thing can get you in trouble.

When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind." - Mark 3:21

In chapter 3 of Mark's Gospel, we learn that healing the sick can be detrimental to one's health.

I have always been in awe of people who devote their lives to healing others.  It is more than a job, it is a commitment that is all consuming, a lifework.

In this increasingly self-focused and solitary world, it is refreshing and inspiring to discover examples of such interest in and commitment to something beyond self.

What inspires people to devote their lives to a cause or mission?

Are they crazy?

In the reading today, the crowd witnessing Jesus' healing falls into two categories, those who believe and trust him and are hoping to be cured, and those who distrust him and seek to discredit him, calling him evil.

Which camp would I be in?

Now, I'll admit to being a natural-born skeptic.  As much as I would like to believe in miracles, if I hear of someone offering to sell me some concoction or program that will cure anything, I tend to run the other way.

I am sure Jesus wasn't trying to sell anything, but who lives their lives like Jesus did?

Most of us need an income to survive.  We haven't figured out how to abandon our ties to things that require monthly payments, so we automatically fall into the realm of those who benefit financially from the needs of others.

When we offer our services or products, we get paid, and that implies self-interest.

So, how do we come to trust the opinion of someone who benefits from our acceptance of that advice?

For me, it all boils down to motive and intention.  Why do they do what they do?  Can I trust that they will lead me down the right path, even if it doesn't benefit them?

I have spent a great deal of time the last few years working with, interviewing and getting to know some amazingly committed and devoted doctors, therapists and other members of the medical and dental world and my initial awe-filled response is totally validated in their lifeworks.

That doesn't mean I am ready to abandon my skepticism.  When it comes to my health or the health of a family member, I will be out there questioning and challenging everything, and it is possible that I will not wind up 100% comfortable with the answers.  That's the way it goes.  And that is why trust is so important.

I have heard that there are studies that show just believing you will be healed improves the chances of recovery, so it is critical to have faith and a believing attitude on my side, not just for me, but for those I love and anyone I visit who is sick.

Jesus gave us a difficult challenge when he said one must leave everything and follow him.  I always thought that meant to drop your nets, those trappings of work and career, and do mission work, but I am coming to see that some professions are that kind of "follow-me" stuff he was talking about.

Whether they believe in Jesus or not, those who live their lives in the loving service of others are doing what he said we should do, aren't they?

That reminds me of how Jesus told the Pharisees that they were missing the point by going through the motions and not doing the work, living the life, and being servants to, for and of the people.

So, I guess it boils down to one thing.  Am I living my life fully?

Hmm.  I'll have to get back to you on that one.  I have to take a close look at my lifework.