The Purpose

Imagine you are called to fulfill a purpose and something keeps distracting you, something you feel is equally important, or necessary, but not what you were called to do.  What do you do?

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, 'Everyone is searching for you.' He answered, 'Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.' - Mark 1:35-38

In today's reading, Jesus may be torn between sharing the good news and healing those afflicted and possessed.

The more compassion he shows for those in need, the more word spreads.  He is surrounded by people, each with a real need, a compelling story, a sad tale.

No matter where he goes, he finds people who are sick and troubled.

Do you think he was prepared for that?

He finds a deserted place and he prays.  I imagine he was asking his father what he should do.

And the answer may have been, "I can't take this burden from you, my Son.  It is who and what we are.  We care.  We have compassion.  We seek to make them whole.  It is our purpose, just as much as sharing the news of our presence in their lives."

The thought that God is a prisoner of his own creation is a disturbing one, yet we tend to like the idea that God will do whatever we ask of him, don't we?

Jesus even tells his disciples that whatever they ask in his name the Father will grant them.

So, imagine for a moment that word has spread that we are willing and able to help those who seek us out.  How many people would we help before we run away to a quiet place to hide?

In the reading today, Jesus leaves to find solace and to pray before dawn.  It is probably well after sunrise that Simon and the others come looking for him, so he is gone a long time before he is found.

When they encounter him, he has made up his mind to move on, to try another location, to focus on the mission and purpose for which he was sent.

But if we read on, we see that the compassion that led him to heal the sick and cast out demons hasn't left him.  It is in his nature.

So, for us, who encounter challenges every day, what is the message?

Do we listen to the calls, do we turn toward those whose hands are extended seeking help?  Or do we stay focused on our mission?  And what is that mission?

Is it to make it to work on time, to be dedicated to a different cause than the one presenting itself to us?

I think like Jesus, we will be confronted by those who know the compassion within us is real.  And like Jesus, we will want to move on.  But will we be like Jesus and stop to help?

Is that our purpose?  Or is it for someone else?

More to come...