Who hasn’t been desperate for healing or peace? A theological quandary isn’t presented here, nor a puzzle of a parable to unfold or unwind. It doesn’t ask a question that requires a response…not a command in need of heeding. This is a feeling story. Listen to what happens in his body. The breaking of his heart. Jesus steadies himself, and goes straight towards the pain. Just to be able to touch the edge of his clothing, catch his gaze, or hear his voice, holds the possibility that they could be made well. And they were.
In the gospel reading* for this week, the disciples were as tired as plow hands, and twice as hungry after their first sojourn carrying the message into the world. At their reunion, they told the teacher stories of all they had done. Traveling without much more than the words in their mouth and the passions in their heart, they held in their hands the given promise of healing.
Jesus steals away these tired and wounded healers, setting sail for a place of peaceful rest. But word got out like a great salve, and people in their deepest and darkest places of need got to that quiet place ahead of them. Those lonely, hungry hearts gathered to wish and wait. Upon seeing them from the boat, “like a sheep with no shepherd”, the gospel writer tells us that Jesus’ heart broke. And when the boat met the shore, he went straight to work.
I wonder if in his own heart, he felt a shared beating that drew him in? Seeing in them a mirrored reflection of every heart that has ever been broken. Including his. A mighty passion and panic must have grown within them as his boat neared the shore. Something, anything…a touch or a word that would heal the brokenness within and without.
Could it be that his heart broke because he had no idea how hungry and desperate they really were? How starved for meaning and purpose they would be? Or in sensing the fierce longing for someone to lead them?
Hearts normally don’t get broken by the ordinary. It always comes as a surprise. And takes our breath away.
This gospel story is the most accessible kind for us, I believe. What in this world breaks your heart? Whatever that might be, get out of your boat, gather yourself, and walk bravely towards it. For in doing so, strangely enough, your heart will find wholeness. And a home.
*Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
-Jim Marsh, Bread of Life Church
