Grieving time

Matthew 14:6-14

But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.

So sought after,

So in demand

That, even when he needed time

to grieve the loss of a friend

the space was denied him.

Even in retreat.

folk sought him out.

found him

and claimed what they needed.

And, far from resentment,

He had compassion.

Even in his grief,

He reached out 

and touched them

with healing

and with love

putting his own needs aside

to minister to others.

And while I recognise 

this selfless care for others

and admire his stamina

it is, I have to say

not a trait

I wish to emulate

however tempting it may seem

in the pressures

of contemporary ministry.