So often it is difficult for people to relate to Jesus as He is depicted in the Gospels. So much about our life is different two thousand years later like culture and lifestyle, not to mention technology and the fact that He is also the Son of God. But, the Gospel reading (Mc 5:21-43), in all its richness, also gives us something that is often overlooked. Something that happens to Jesus which also happens to us…sometimes multiple times a day: Jesus gets interrupted.
Someone has just asked Jesus to do them a favor. He agrees and off he goes to do it. But along the way, the woman interrupts Jesus. She stops him from what He has set out to do and seeks to get Him to do what she wants NOW.
Without going into too much detail, we should simply take a look at one thing: What is Jesus’ attitude toward getting interrupted? Does He, like we often do, use this as an opportunity to show His frustration?…to vent?…to let everyone know that He’s being bothered?…etc. NO! Jesus does not see an interruption as and INCONVENIENCE. For Him, it is an OPPORTUNITY! An opportunity for good…an opportunity to evangelize…and opportunity for God’s Will to be fulfilled one more time.
We can learn something very practical from Jesus by way of example in this Gospel. We can start by asking ourselves what is OUR attitude toward the interruptions we encounter. If being a disciple means to follow the Master, then one useful, practical, and beneficial way to do so is follow Jesus’ example in this regard. You can guarantee that you will be interrupted again – perhaps even before finishing this reflection! The question is, how will you interpret that interruption? Will you have something in common with Jesus then…or not.
Father Eric Orzech,