Getting to know him

Curiosity often leads us to wonder why, when, how and what the famous and sometimes infamous are up to.  Curiosity helps us to get to know those we idolize just a bit better.  Curiosity can also help us to get to know the ones who want to know us best.  Today's readings provide a glimpse into the heart of Jesus that is constantly seeking to know us, but only if we are willing to allow it ... and only if we are curious enough to want to know Jesus.

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A day in the life of

Shortly after the beginning of his pontificate in 1978, I remember reading an article that outlined the daily routine that Pope John Paul II would follow.  At 4:00am, he was already awake, and out in the streets of Rome for his daily jog, much to the chagrin of the Swiss Guard who were definitely not used to such rigorous activity at such an early hour.  Back in the papal apartments, showered and dressed, he would then spend an hour in the chapel in prayer before celebrating the Mass at around 7:00am, most often accompanied by members of the household, or by any number of invited guests.  At the conclusion of the Mass, he would take time to greet the guests who had prayed with him, and then move on to breakfast, a meal shared with yet other guests.  The schedule of diplomatic meetings began around 9:00am and continued until about 1:30pm, at which time, he would pause for lunch, often accompanied by other guests, and then the afternoon hours would permit a stroll in the garden or some time for meditation before the evening meetings would begin.  Knowing that John Paul would often work in his study until at least midnight, this made for a torrid pace of life for those who were his closest aides.

Such was the daily life of Karol Wojtyla.  Similar schedules can be recounted for any number of other dignitaries and those who live more or less public lives, but perhaps one of the first such accounts of A day in the life of was written of Jesus of Nazareth, and appears for us in today’s gospel.  In this case, it must have been a Sabbath day.  Jesus began the day at the synagogue, like all others of his circle of friends and relations probably did.  Thinking about this habit brought back memories for me of younger days when my family would begin Sunday morning at our parish church and then travel to my grandparents’ home where we would meet with other family members to share a meal.  In Jesus’ case, the routine took him to the house of Simon and Andrew (some of his closest friends) where they too were probably planning to share a meal, but perhaps he had heard from his friends about their concern for Simon’s mother-in-law who was not well.  Was this then a compassionate visit, or did Simon know of Jesus’ miraculous powers?  Had he perhaps asked a favor of a friend?

Regardless of the motivation, Jesus spent the afternoon with his friends before yet others appeared at the door, some having been brought by other friends, many of them suffering from illnesses of one kind or another.  Poor Jesus:  his work never seemed to be done.  I wonder if he ever felt discouraged, like Job in the first reading who complained that most of his days seemed to be filled with hard work and nights which seemed to be long and filled with tossing and turning.

Despite all the hardship though, Job never lost hope and neither did Jesus.  As young priests, many I know, myself included were cautioned to never allow the demands of daily life to compromise the importance of prayer.  Time spent with Jesus in prayer may seem empty at times, but when all is said and done, these moments of quiet are often the source of the inner strength that allows mere mortals to carry out the work of compassion and care that Jesus did, that he continues to do though us.

Even though he was the Son of God, he knew the importance of prayer, so early in the morning, while it was still dark, he would rise from sleep, find a deserted place and pray.  Every one of us who is a disciple of the Master must in our own way determine where this deserted place is for us.  Every one of us needs to find a time and place in our daily routine to check in with Jesus because in the silence of prayer we find the inner strength that allows us to face the rest of the day with a sense of purpose, and with an eye toward the grace that comes from knowing that we are about the work of one much greater than ourselves.  Strengthened through the routine of prayer, Jesus was able to go on to other neighbouring towns and villages.  Later on, Paul and other disciples too continued the work, but only because they were able to remain connected in prayer.  Why then should we think that we are any different?  If someone were to look at the daily routine that we live, would they find there a source for inspiration?  Would they find there a habit or two that would inspire them to want to do as we do?