Purpose and Pride

Father, forgive me. Today’s Gospel made me want to fight somebody.

If you want to make me really, really angry, you are sure of doing so if you tell me about an old woman who was sick, but felt a little better, and then her son-in-law and all his buddies showed up, so she cooked them a bunch of food and cleaned up after them.

We all project our own feelings, fears, insecurities, and desires onto the word of God. I certainly do. And most of my feelings, fears, insecurities, and desires spring from my current role as a tired mom of little kids.

I think there is a fear inside many of us of God’s purpose for our lives. What if it’s not aligned perfectly with what we think we need, or what we imagine we want? Most of the time, I think I need a nap, and I imagine that I want absolutely no one asking me for any kind of help. And here I am, perpetually napless and always being called on to render assistance.

The actions of Peter’s mother-in-law were the only actions we would expect of a woman who had just received a miracle. She jumped up, and with bravery and boldness she served the Lord.

But couldn’t she rest? Couldn’t she serve him later? Couldn’t she thank him with a smile and take a nap? Well, I suppose. But is that how you react to a miracle?

I have received my miracle — my family. My purpose. So why am I still lying down?

“He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.” — Mark 1:31

©LPi