Mt 9: 18-26
While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples.
Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Jesus the Multitasker
The multitasking Jesus we encounter in today’s Gospel is particularly close to my heart as a busy mom. He has just called Matthew the tax collector, and is in the middle of speaking to John’s disciples when the official comes up asking him for something. He immediately responds by getting up and following the official toward his home. Before he even arrives, though, still another person approaches him with a desire for healing. If I were Jesus, I would just want 30 seconds to myself!
But perhaps this is the story of our faith. We are not called to be disciples only when we are well rested, well fed, and have nothing else to do. We are called to co-labor with Jesus throughout our lives. This does not mean that we are to serve others at the expense of our own physical, mental, or spiritual health; the Gospels have numerous accounts of Jesus going away, to take time for his own prayer and rest. It does, however, invite us to be open to responding to invitations to serve that might not come at the most convenient times.
Jesus saw a need (or many needs!) in the faces of those around him. His response of love and service is one that we can strive to emulate, in our own ways, in our own lives.
—Lauren Gaffey is the Associate Director of Communications for the Midwest Jesuits, and an Associate Director for Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, a work of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you opened your heart to those around you, caring for their needs in your great love. Help me to follow your example of service, recognizing the ways that I can co-labor with you in building your kingdom. May I never fail to recognize your face in those around me. Amen.
—Lauren Gaffey