I’m currently reading Into the Mess & Other Jesus Stories by Debie Thomas, a remarkable writer who currently serves as the Minister of Lifelong Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California. Her book is so rich, I’m not devouring it. Rather, I’m sipping it. Today I’m sharing this sip with you from her chapter “A Day in the Life.”
The writer Annie Dillard so wisely says, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our life.” What was a “typical day” like in Jesus’ life? Thomas focuses on Mk. 1:29-39, the day Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law, a day very early in his public ministry. What does Jesus do on this particular day? Thomas suggests several things. Here are four of them.
Jesus makes home sacred. In Mark’s account, Jesus leaves the synagogue after Sabbath worship and enters the home of Simon and Andrew. He seems to spend the whole day there. In doing so, Jesus blesses “a humdrum location with his presence” and honors it as a “sacred site where the work of God goes forward.” Some of Jesus’ miracles and most significant encounters happen in homes. Says Thomas, “Holy things happen in places we call home. God’s power and presence are not limited to official sacred spaces.”
He heals.We might not have the power to work healing miracles in the same way as Jesus did, but can we, like Jesus, offer a compassionate presence as we go about our ordinary days? Jesus spent time with people. He didn’t consider hanging out with others a waste of his valuable time. He ate with people, listened to their stories, shared his own stories, encouraged them, laughed and cried with them, and offered a gentle touch. “In short,” says Thomas, “Jesus offers the sick and broken his steady presence, his warm embrace, and the good news of a kingdom that is coming.”
He prays. The next morning, Mark tells us, Jesus slips away in the dark to a deserted place to pray. This is a regular practice for Jesus. Says Thomas, “We see (Jesus’) need to withdraw, his hunger for solitary prayer, his inclination to rest, recuperate, reorient his heart.” He understands “the necessary and ongoing tension between compassion and self-protection in a world bursting with need.”
He moves on. This story ends with Jesus leaving Simon’s house so he can bring the good news to other towns, synagogues, and homes. This decision to move on is probably not an easy one for Jesus. There are “compelling reasons” to stay. But after his early morning prayer, Jesus “recognizes and trusts the voice that says, ‘It’s time to go.'” We can learn from Jesus that “sowing a seed and walking away is sometimes appropriate.” That there are times to set boundaries, to relinquish prestige and power, to hand things over to someone else, to withdraw, to retire.
Thomas concludes this chapter with these words: “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Let’s spend ours well.” I would add: And let us look to Jesus to see how we can spend our days well!
For reflection:
What are some of the sacred things that have happened in your home?
What does a “healing presence” look like?
Who has been a healing presence for you? How have they done this?
How do you balance the tension between your compassion for those in need and your need to reorient your heart through prayer on a regular basis?
Have you ever heard a voice say to you, “It’s time to move on”? What was that experience like for you?
PS: If you’re looking for a prayer for the U.S. national and local elections, I wrote one at the end of last week’s blog on grief…
Our vdeo today is “Healer” by Casting Crowns.” It’s a reminder of how much we need the person of Jesus in our lives…
I invite you to write a comment below. Thank you!
22 Responses
Thank you for your inspirational words that come at a time of trying to decide when to retire, when “it’s time to move on”.
Annette, Yes, we often struggle with “moving on” in both small and major ways… at least, that’s been my experience… Thank you for writing. Melannie
That song brought tears to my eyes. My mother died about 6 weeks ago after a lengthy illness. So, so many folks have been praying for our family. It feels like I’m drifting on a cloud of their prayers.
Kathleen, My deepest sympathy to you on the death of your mother. I loved your words: “it feels like I’m drifting on a cloud of their prayers.” I join that cloud… and I’m sure many of my readers will too. Melannie
How our country needs the Healer, Jesus! How much we each need to see one another with His eyes, not hatred, bias or division; simply as sisters and brothers. Thank you for this powerful song on the eve of our US Election Day.
Thank you, Judith, for your comment. I thought the song was powerful too. Melannie
Three months ago my husband’s dementia had progressed to the point that going to Mass was becoming too difficult. Since then, two devoted Eucharistic ministers have brought Communion to us every Sunday. While, of course, Jesus is always present in our home, the visible host is a powerful reminder of His presence as a reminder that He is with us as we walk this road together.
Susan, What a beautiful way to view the visible Eucharist being brought into your home–“where Jesus is always present.” My prayers go out to all who are experiencing the dementia of a loved one… and who are caring for them with such great love… Melannie
On the day before this contentious election and for me, on the 2nd anniversary of my husband’s death, the message of the song is so true..
Ann, I’m so glad the song brought you comfort today… Thank you for your words. Melannie
Moving back to Ohio after living in NYC for 51 years has been an adventure that I am exploring, sometimes with eagerness, sometimes with sorrow. Thank you for these words of wisdom.
Learning how to move on is giant enterprise.
Margaret, I couldn’t agree with your words more… I liked your phrase: “an adventure I am exploring, sometimes with eagerness, sometimes with sorrow.” Those words accurately describe some the major “moves” of my life too. Thank you! Melannie
As a Spiritual Director, I often ask the directee where they have found God in the past month that was a surprise….I hasten to add….not in church! It often takes a bit of thought, but amazing responses in the end and something that surprises them, I’d say.
I have become a follower of Teilhard de Chardin and like him, I believe the divine is in every tiny bit of creation, whether God-made or man-made. I ask to see through the heart of God…then and only then, I am capable of loving God and loving my neighbor. If I see God in all people, then everyone who comes into my house fills it with the spirit of God…yes, it is holy ground!
Thank you Sr. Melannie. It is something to cling to as we await the outcome of our election which hangs over all of us with a sense of dread!
Praise be to God!
Mary, I love the question you pose for your directees. It’s a good one! Before I typed this response to you. I took a few moments to answer your question for myself. I was surprised that my answer was NOT a “nice surprise,” but a surprise I found difficult and challenging… Like you, I also have come to appreciate Teilhard more and more recently. Thank you for reminding us of this great man! Melannie
What a lovely, lovely blog, Melannie!
My wife (Kerry) and I live in “half a home,” as in a duplex. We’ve lived there for the past thirty-six years. It’s about 1,200 square feet, our yard is less than 1/8 of an acre, but I wouldn’t trade this humble of abode for any other place in the world! Why? Because Kerry had made our home a sanctuary of peace. She herself has built over twenty pieces of furniture (I can’t hammer a nail!): bookcases, pantries, cabinets, tables, wardrobes, etc. In every room, there are at least two to three pieces of her talent. A retired weaver, Kerry has woven wall-hangings, place mats, throw blankets, and dish towels. Our cellar has her loom and her workbench. One year I bought her a work-belt for her anniversary! Her hands have truly made our house a home.
John, What a beautiful description of your “humble abode”! And a tribute to your dear Kerry for transforming your house into a “sanctuary of peace.” What a talented wife you have! (We readers who have come to know you through the years, also know what a talented husband SHE has!) Thank you for your beautiful words! Melannie
Thank you Sister Melannie for your blog. Especially for the perfect song on this day before Election Day. We need the healer more than ever in our world! Thank you again and have a blessed week.
Shirley, I am grateful that you too found this song so appropriate for these days… Yes, we must never forget our need for The Healer, Jesus… Thank you for writing. Melannie
Remembering the maxim, “You are the salt of the earth,” I think that most Christians should consider the realm outside themselves as the earth to which they may, with Christ’s indwelling, carry divine flavoring. It isn’t likely that someone will come to us and ask for a cup of water. I consider visiting and meeting others as adventures to which God calls us. The old telephone commercial sang, “Reach out and touch someone.” It didn’t say, “Wait for someone to touch you.”
George, You always have such a good way of putting ideas into words. I liked especially: “with Christ’s indwelling, (we are to) carry divine flavoring” into the world. And I like your attitude: “I consider visiting and meeting others as adventures to which God calls us.” Thanks for adding your wise words to my blog! Melannie
One sacred thing that happened in our house was when our son and daughter-in-law had a fun surprise way of telling us they were expecting our first grandchild. I have photos of the look on my face when we opened a wrapped package (for seemingly no reason) – the package was the book “Chicken Soup for the Grandparents’ Soul” — what a fun way to learn we’d be grandparents. That “child” will graduate from college in four weeks! And several more “grands” have blessed our family. But, that was a special moment in 2002 in our brand new home. Thanks for helping me remember that.
Patt, I love your story about finding out “in a fun way” that you were going to be grandparents! You have a creative son and daughter-in-law! I’m glad my blog could be the impetus for you to recall this joyful event! Thanks for sharing it with all of us! Melannie