Today, we are invited to imagine the fictitious stories of three very devoted and caring people who have given their lives to God, each in their own way:
On the corner of Twist and Turn Streets live Pastor Tim and his wife, Jill—a couple dedicated to serving their community and showing Jesus’ love to all.
But tonight, Jill sits in her kitchen, feeling overwhelmed after a stormy call from a long-standing parishioner demanding to know why she has not visited a sick parishioner. As Jill tries to settle their colicky baby before an equally tired Pastor Tim returns from yet another circuit meeting, she wonders how it has gone so awfully wrong.
Two blocks down the road on the corner of Turn and Tender Streets, Father
Joe settles himself in his armchair to watch the news. He had chosen the celibate life to be able to give his full love and attention to the service of God. He had found his parishioners kind and caring. A smile passes over his lips as he eats a little more of the homemade chicken soup dropped off for him yesterday, when it was obvious he had a cold. He pondered what he had done to deserve such love.
Pastor Tim, his wife Jill, and Father Joe have all, in their own way, dedicated themselves to the faithful service of God and God’s people. But at a given moment in their ministries, their fellow believers responded differently.
It is often presumed that Christ’s representatives will love and care for others, and rightly so. What is sometimes forgotten is that all Christians are required to love and care for
one another. Jesus, on his way to Golgotha, was weak and weary, and Simon of Cyrene helped him carry his cross. How much more might our pastors and priests need someone to carry their cross in a moment of weariness?
How aware are you of the needs of the elders in your community? Could you be their Simon of Cyrene if needed?
