Community is really important. Deep down, we know that, right? But do you think we forget sometimes? Do you think that we sometimes take it for granted? Just like our health or independence or the roles we play?
Jesus knows it. And even though even Jesus himself sometimes takes time away, ultimately he calls us to live into the communities of which we're a part--be they family, neighborhood, church, school, or groups of friends. He equips us to be a part of a community that nourishes, strengthens, and, yes, serves us.
We see it happening in today's text. Simon's mother-in-law is sick. No matter what we think about women's roles today, we have to remember that for this woman, being a good host was more than likely at the top of the lost of really important things. And as any of us who has ever been sick knows, hosting is about the last thing we want to do when we're so sick we're stuck in bed. Plus she was so sick she was stuck in bed. Not a great day for her.
Into the midst of her rotten day, enters Jesus. And in an act of great compassion, he takes her hand and "lifted her up." I have to think that as he lifted her and her fever went away, her spirits also soared. Served and now restored to be able to serve. Experiencing both ends of the spectrum, served and serving. Simon's mother-in-law (wouldn't you like to know her name?!), because she is lifted up by Jesus, gets to do both.
Though we don't always feel it, we, too, are lifted up by Jesus. We too have been restored to serve and to be served. Because we do need both. We do sometimes need to serve others--those in need, our families or friends, or total strangers. And sometimes we need to be served. Sometimes we need to be the one stuck in bed, humbled by the need to rely on others. Sometimes we need to hold out our hands and realize that we don't get to help ourselves, but that we will be served, all in good time, at the table where we are all welcome and where there is room for everyone.
The funny thing is that Jesus will find us--the servers and the ones being served. Unexpected though he may be, he finds us and lifts us up. His promise of life restores us to be who God has called us to be. God's people in the world. Serving and being served. Lifted up and restored.
I made a meal and took it to someone from church on Friday. Sunday my dishes were returned with many thanks and compliments that lifted me up too. A note with my dishes from the person needing help said she was nourished both in body and soul by the food I had taken for their meal. So it is when one shares - both sides are empowered and restored. Kathy
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