1 Cor. 9:16-27 (NRSVUE)
For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might gain all the more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to gain Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might gain those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not outside God’s law but am within Christ’s law) so that I might gain those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I might become a partner in it.
Mark 6:47-56 (NRSVUE)
When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came toward them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Devotion
There is no service without sacrifice. To serve is to truly give of oneself – to meet others on their terms, in their space, so that we may provide support and share God’s love. We are not only called to give in our self-interest, or when it is easy, but also when those who need our hospitality, generosity, and service are different from us. As Paul explains, “I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them.” In Mark’s gospel, after saving his own disciples from the perils of a storm on the sea, Jesus then goes into Gennasaret where he proceeds to welcome all those who were sick or ill into his presence to heal.
I was struck by the story in Mark. Here is Jesus, who just before walking on water to rescue his disciples from the storm had asked them to undertake a seemingly simple task – to go and get the boat to take them to Gennasaret – while he took time to pray and reflect. Understandably, Jesus likely needed time to reflect, and perhaps rest, having just fed the five thousand. At this moment, when he was just trying to catch his breath, his disciples find themselves quite literally adrift – and of course Jesus comes to their aid. Love for others through service requires being aware of those in need around us – even when we just “need a break.” Sometimes, we must be bigger than our own needs to serve others.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to be aware of the bigger picture, the wider world around us. Help us to see and respond to those in need with our kindness, and give us the presence of your Holy Spirit, and your abiding grace, so that we may find the strength to serve even when we may be weary.
Mike Zolandz