Word to the Wise
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 - Wednesday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[Heb 2:14-18 and Mark 1:29-39]Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." [Mark]
We are still only in the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark and already Jesus is paying the price for fame. The word has gotten around (even in days before cell phones!) that he can heal and cast out evil spirits! Simon's mother-in-law must have had a lot of contacts! There is a built-in tension in the story. Jesus is being recognized solely as a healer or wonder-worker and not as a Messiah. It is the demand for his services that drives him to find a place by himself to pray. Simon's words, "Everyone is looking for you," really sum up the whole situation. Jesus' response is interesting. He gives priority to his preaching and the need to be itinerant in doing it. (I am certainly not going to object to that priority!)
I quote Simon often in retreats for priests and deacons. It is not possible to meet all the demands that parishioners can make. The priests and deacons who do not take time away from the demands and fail to delegate others to help will experience resentment toward parishioners and resentment from parishioners. Prayer, study and personal relationships are a crucial part of the "support system" that any disciple needs. Parishioners who want their pastors to stay in good shape will make a point of asking the pastor if he takes his day off or makes a retreat or has time to do some continuing education. The phrase, "Everyone is looking for you!" can give an ego boost, but the reality can be dangerous. AMEN
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