It’s Friday – the one day in my diary with no meetings! Most of the clergy are off today, and I’m working from home – free from the noise, buzz and people that fill the church office every other day. I’ve had a mad week and there’s still a long list of tasks to be done before Saturday brings a well-earned rest. First on the list is the UCAN newsletter article.
It’s now 11:40 and I’m only just getting going. Being at home doesn’t shield me from interruptions! So far this morning, the emails have been pinging, my phone has been ringing and Microsoft Teams has been doing what only Microsoft Teams can do. Not only that but being at home means washing to hang up … and cats demanding cuddles. So much for a quiet day!
At my church, we have been using Lent to read through John’s Gospel and I’m struck by just how many times Jesus was interrupted. Jesus’ very first interruption comes right at the start of John’s Gospel, while Jesus and his friends were at a wedding (John ch.2). I’m sure we can all read between the lines in the way Jesus responded when his mum pointed out the social faux pas of running out of wine: “woman, why do you involve me?”. The Message translation perhaps conveys how Jesus was really feeling: “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”
We’ve all been there! Sitting in church on a Sunday morning (not a work day), just getting into the worship when there’s a tap on the shoulder. “I know you are not working today” says the voice from behind, “but can I just…” (the reader is invited to fill in the gap)!
Jesus ministry was one of constant interruptions. From the numerous requests for healings and miracles to the large crowds who followed him everywhere demanding a sign or just something to eat. Then there were the disciples with their questions, mistakes and inability to just ‘get it’. And not forgetting the religious guys who were on his back 24/7 watching for a wrong move, trying to trip him up.
We see this play out to the full in the story Luke recalls in Luke 8:40-56. Jesus had already had a busy day, teaching his disciples, calming a storm and healing a demon possessed man (aka as ‘the incident with the pigs’). How much of this was on his to-do list we don’t know, but the day isn’t over yet. The crowds are all waiting for him, all expecting him, when Jairus the Synagogue leader appears begging for Jesus to help with his sick daughter at home. Off they all set to Jairus’ house when Jesus is interrupted yet again by way of a bleeding woman touching his cloak. What does Jesus do? Hurry on to the pressing emergency. After all, Luke tells us that the woman had been instantly healed. Job done! Nothing left to do here. No! Jesus stops, finds out who she is and reassures her that she is loved. All this took time. Maybe too much time. Jairus’ daughter is now dead. I’ll leave you to read on to find out how the story ends!
As Administrators and Ops Managers, our tendency is to focus on the tasks to be done. The list never gets any shorter and the days any longer. We can just about make it through … please God, no interruptions today! But Jesus reminds us that behind every interruption is a person … a person who needs the love and grace and healing of our Heavenly Father.
I’m really struck by Mary’s response to Jesus at that wedding in John ch.2. She doesn’t get annoyed with him; she simply turns to the servants and says “do whatever he tells you”!
And perhaps, in that simple phrase, is the key to coping with a life of inevitable interruptions. We need to be people who listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and do whatever He says.
I wonder how prepared I am to accept that God may have a different to-do list from me? And that list may include an ‘interruption’ or two – someone who needs my time, love and attention.
Father, will you help me, and all of us, to be people who hear your voice and do only what you are calling us to do. Father, I welcome the interruptions you send my way today. Amen.
Mark
Director | UCAN