Pentecost 4, Proper 8
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.
Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?
Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!
Fr. Gehlsen
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