Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, (Optional Memorial)

Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 

Of course Jesus and his disciples needed to withdraw! Everywhere they went, people crowded around them. Matthew tells of Jesus feeding five thousand people, walking on water, and calming a storm. Religious leaders tried to trap him, and his closest friends didn’t seem to have a clue what he was talking about. A trip into Gentile territory just might give all of them the rest that they needed.

But the peace and quiet didn’t last long. Soon a local woman showed up, begging Jesus to deliver her daughter. She wouldn’t leave them alone. No wonder the disciples were annoyed and asked Jesus to get rid of her! They didn’t want their restful time with him to be interrupted. They wanted—they needed—a respite. Even Jesus needed to recharge!

They weren’t wrong, either. We’ve all been worn out, frazzled, and longing for some peace and quiet—or at least a bit of down time. We start to relax. But then someone appears and needs something from us. That’s when we need to turn to the Holy Spirit and be open to what he is asking of us in that moment.

Why ask the Spirit what he wants? Because as we’re having compassion on ourselves for needing a break, we can’t forget the compassion God calls us to have on the people around us. After all, even Jesus changed his plans when people came to him (Matthew 15:28). As we ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, he might invite us to set aside our plans and respond to the needs of those he has put in front of us. Even when annoyance is our first response, we can ask for the grace to grow in gratitude for the interruptions that are, in fact, divine appointments.

God is pleased when we follow his promptings to accept interruptions the way he did. He will pour out extra grace so that we can rise to meet whatever challenges we’re facing. So the next time someone disturbs you when you’re trying to take a break, put aside your frustration and ask the Spirit if he is giving you an opportunity to love others the way he loves you.

“Jesus, give me your heart of compassion!”

Jeremiah 31:1-7
(Psalm) Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 15:21-28