Life and Its Demands

In today's first reading, 2Sam 1: 1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27, we are told of David's losses of Saul and his son Jonathan, who are both slain in war with the Amalekites.  Saul and Jonathan were dear to David. David endured many personal hardships in his relationship with Saul, who preceded him as King of Israel and, at one time, sought to kill David, of whom he had grown jealous. Many times, Jonathan defended David to his father Saul.  Because of Jonathan's interventions on David's behalf, issues between Saul and David were resolved.  Saul and David became close friends and confidantes. Both highly respected each other.

In the Gospel, Mark 3: 20-21, we hear of how distraught Jesus' family is about Jesus. They are very concerned that Jesus is neglecting himself to the point of risking his health and his sanity.  They go in search of him, wanting to rescue Him and bring him back home under the caring eyes of His family and relatives.

All of us face times when we need to let go. Family members and friends leave us to engage in activities that we may think unsafe or too demanding. We may even think, as Jesus' relatives did, that some of our family members or friends have lost their senses.  In Jesus' case, He does not return home by His own choice.  Saul and David did not return home as the result of losing their lives in war.

Our recourse when letting go of that which is beyond our control is difficult.  At our disposal, however, is the same recourse that David and Jesus' relatives had: prayer.  David cries to the Lord:  How can the warriors have fallen--in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! Most dear have you been to me....How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished." In the case of Jesus' relatives, we are not told how they responded in their grief but, knowing Mary's faith, we can conclude that she and her relatives sought God's help to grow in their understanding of Jesus' call to ministry and to the reasons He gave His all, sometimes not taking the time to eat or sleep that they considered essential for Him to maintain His strength and sanity. No doubt, however, they heard Jesus, directly or indirectly, say to His disciples: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me" (John 4: 34).

How do you deal with grief?  What sustains you when you barely have time to eat or sleep in caring for others or carrying out your ministry to those in need?