Limited Service

When you do something good, do you keep it a secret, or do you let people know?

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.' - Matthew 12:14-21

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus works in secret, seeming to be afraid for his life, but Matthew explains that there is a reason for his desire for silence.  He is said to be fulfilling a prophecy.

While it is possible that his actions did fulfill the prophecy, I don't think Jesus sought secrecy to align himself with the words of the prophets.  He knew word would spread and soon he would be surrounded by people needing and wanting help.

By asking them to be quiet, perhaps he would buy some time, before the crowds would be so uncontrollable as to drive him away.

So, here is the question I have.  Can he help more people by keeping his powers secret, because he will be able to help all who come?  Or would it be better to let everyone in need know?

This is the same problem we have when we set out to serve those in need.  If we cannot help all, how do we limit the number of those we can help?

Ideally, Jesus would have his disciples pick up the workload.  He taught them to do as he did, and yet they failed when sent out, to help the people effectively.

The same is true with the organizations we create to help the hungry and homeless.  Those who are good at it have trouble showing others how to do it as well.

The only way we can make a dent in the problems and needs around us is to work together.

All need to want to do a great job for a smaller population.  In that way the whole population in need gets served well.  And perhaps, if we serve them well, we can help them overcome the need.

It's a thought.

But I wonder if we will make it work.

More to come...