Keep Going

 

Just before the feeding of the 5000,

Jesus and the disciples were going to a solitary place

Because they were exhausted and needed to rest.

Rest didn’t come, however,

Because people followed them and

Jesus had compassion on the people.

 

On Friday night,

I reflected on Mark 6’s telling of this story.

First, I wrote down what I imagined Jesus saying through the text.

Then I wrote down what God was saying to me for this time of history.

Maybe one of these will speak to you.

Maybe you need these messages, too.

 

…

 

Come.

Rest awhile.

Eat with me.

Drink with me.

But no—

Nevermind.

There is more work to do.

Look at them—

The people—

They are hungry and hurting.

Compassion runs over.

And it’s up to us to show them a steady presence—

To teach about love and

To heal through being together.

So keep going.

I will make it possible—

Even when you need rest.

And when it seems impossible—

I will feed thousands with

5 loaves and 2 fish—

And still there will be enough.  

 

…

 

Keep going.

Keep giving.

Keep showing up.

Keep writing.

Keep praying.

There will be moments of rest on the boat—

The journey with me can renew and restore.

Just keep going.

I am greater than

The country going backwards

Eating disorders

Cancer diagnoses

Deportation

Broken justice

Misplaced blame

Fear

ALL can be fed.

But you have to keep going.

Let me do what you cannot.

 

Amen.