Fifty years ago the word ‘stress’ was only ever applied to materials like steel and the wings of planes. But since then, along with ‘pressure’, it has first crept into our language and more lately become an everyday term. Everyone experiences stress now. You can even hear Grade One students talk about the stress they’re under at school! Perhaps it’s the ever-growing pace of life or an innate competitiveness but pressure and stress have become part of daily life for most people in the so-called civilised world. Although he may never have used the words ‘stress’ or ‘pressure’, Jesus knew all about the demands of ministry with other people. When the disciples returned from their first efforts away from Jesus he knew that they needed some time out to debrief, to pray and to re-energise themselves. He ordered them all into a boat and they headed for a lonely place where they could be by themselves and rejuvenate. Jesus recognised the importance of taking time out. If you are engaged in a vocation or ministry that sees you meeting the needs of others, you need some time out to reflect on your experiences; time to hold those people up to God in prayer; time to make sense of your work and the interactions you’ve shared; time to simply recharge your batteries so that you can once again give fully of yourself.
Unfortunately, when Jesus arranged for himself and the disciples to have some time out, the crowd anticipated where they were going and actually beat them there! When the disciples arrived at their lonely spot, they were once again overwhelmed by the crowd. However, Jesus recognised the demands of the crowd as being more urgent than the demands of the disciples and himself. He took pity on them – he was moved by compassion – and responded to their need.
© Greg Sunter
Read more from here Parish Bulletin_21.07.2024
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