A busy clergyperson stood in a cashier’s line, growing increasingly impatient as a woman exchanged coupons for groceries and had purchases scanned. When the woman’s purchases exceeded her resources, she methodically eliminated items one at a time until the purchased items met what was in her wallet.
Impatient, and needing to be at a church meeting, the pastor place money on the counter to make up the difference. His action was more for his benefit (so he could be on his way) than the benefit of the woman. The woman continued to return items from her basket, one at a time. Confused and somewhat annoyed that someone in apparent need would refuse this such a charitable response; the pastor asked why the gift was not welcomed. “But you did not ask me,” came the reply.
How often are our well-meaning ways more about our perceptions? When and how might our ways be imposed? How might such actions silence/disempower another?
Jesus stood in the moment, listened and then asked: “What do you want me to do for you?” How might this question help us to re-imagine the way we serve?
Personal Reflection:
The crowd tries to silence Bartimaeus, but he persists. Jesus does not presume; instead asks, “what do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus springs up and throws off his beggar’s cloak that has, until now, defined him, and follows Jesus on the way.
- When have you cried out for help, only to have others put you down? Recall what that felt like.
- Then focus on the presence of Christ in your life and how Christ seeks to reach beyond the clatter of the crowds.