From one broken pot to another

In this section of Matthew's Gospel, Matthew 9: 36-!0:8, Jesus feels a deep sorrow when he sees the crowd. We are in touch with his emotions. He feels deeply for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. He is concerned not so much about teaching them as in other occasions but about how their situation can be remedied. He needs others to help him, to be instruments of mercy and healing. He summons them and they are called by name. 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few he says.

Some people are asked to carry heavy burdens, health and emotional issues and can feel isolated and alone. Sometimes that can be our experience. Having someone alongside us encouraging, being present, being non judgemental is a huge support. They are like the reassuring presence of Christ. As a priest I have witnessed that so many times and it is very humbling.

On a social and world scale, it is easy to feel numbed by the desperation and futility we perhaps see on the street, or on TV or read about. There can be all sorts of emotions we feel when faced with such problems. We may have a sense of hopelessness and what’s the use anyway.

Christ felt it in his own context and did not bury his head in the sand. He believed another way was possible and faced it head on; he enabled others to believe in the possibility too, he called and they followed him.

Ordinary people, doctors, nurses, organizations, religious distributing aid, medical assistance, comfort and food to those in need overwhelmed by war, famine and other problems closer to home provide a glimmer of hope in amongst the huge scale of human suffering. A physical and tangible presence of the kingdom of God close at hand (even from those who are not aware of God but have a deep sense of humanity towards their fellow human beings) and isn’t that what it is, good people who refuse to be embittered by what they see around them and who refuse to be overwhelmed by the scale of the problems they see prepared to stick their necks out?

As disciples of Christ ourselves living our various vocations, we are his very own, called by name, given authority through our baptism, carried on eagles wings, reconciled in him, drawing on some of the images in this Sunday's readings. I know we don’t always get things right and we are dealing with our own stuff, but we need to affirm these gifts in ourselves, have that sense of joyful trust and be the face and hands of Christ in our context. We are called to respond to those who cross our path harassed and dejected and proclaim through our words and presence that the kingdom of God is close at hand. And of course, we need to allow others to do that for us too.

The song I would like to share with you this week is called, 'From one broken pot to another.' The disciples Jesus chose were broken, weak and sinful just as we are. He called them anyway and they carried out his purpose to bring life, healing and hope into the lives of the people they encountered. May we continue do the same.

Blessings on your week.

From one broken pot to another

From one broken pot to another

Let’s rest against the wall

Till the sun wakes up the meadow

And gives light and warmth to all

I see you need some fixing

We all need that somehow

Let’s just share this brief encounter

And be satisfied for now

I bet you have a story

And it’s not my place to pry

You see I still can listen

It’ll help the time go by

I’ve been around for ages

You can tell that by my glaze

The pot you see before you

Sure has seen better days

But I wouldn’t change a thing now

I’m damaged, yes that’s true

But with these cracks I’m stronger

they let the sun shine through

I may not be as fine now

As china or belleek

And not so good for flowers

The water tends to leak

But I’m good for brooms and papers

And lot’s of memories too

And even as a doorstop

To let the air blow through

Now I’ve done all the talking

I hope you didn’t mind

I’ve been told I sure can chatter

A trap for me I find

I truly care to listen

If you’ve a word or two

And it’s fine to sit in silence

If that’s what you’d rather do

From one broken pot to another

Let’s rest against the wall

Till the sun wakes up the meadow

And gives light and warmth to all.