Do you ever feel like you need some time alone?  Maybe you’ve had a difficult day at school and you feel like relaxing, having a glass of milk and a cookie.  Perhaps you’ve played very hard and want to take a nap.  Or, you may have argued with your brother or sister and need some time to cool down.

During those times we don’t like to be disturbed.  When a big person asks you to set the table for dinner or take out the garbage, you might feel like saying, “Not now.”

You may be having fun with your best friend––tossing a ball or playing with your toys.  Then when you are asked to help out with a chore you, once again, might feel like saying, “Not now, I’m having too much fun”

When we are asked to help, the request may come at an inconvenient time.  We don’t always feel like helping or we would rather be doing something else.

Sometimes big people feel the same way.  They understand if you sometimes feel that way too.

Jesus had such an experience.  He had just received some very sad news. So, He got into a boat and went “to a deserted place apart.”

Jesus had many followers and when they heard that He was headed to a quiet place “they followed Him on foot from the towns.”   When Jesus went ashore, He saw a great multitude.  “He had compassion on them, and He healed their sick.”

This was an inconvenient time for Jesus.  He was heart-broken over the sad news He had received and He wanted to be alone for awhile; but Jesus also felt sorry for the people who needed him.  He had compassion for them.  Jesus answered their call for help and He cared for them.

This is a lesson for our lives.  There are times when we would rather play, or rest, or be alone; but we must also think about the people who need us.  Even though it may be an inconvenient time, sometimes we must be willing to answer their call for help.

Some day we’ll be in need too, and hopefully someone will be there to help us too.

Stay healthy everyone.  And hope to see you soon.

Spirituality The Episcopal Church Children's Homily Ordinary Time Podcast The Rev. Charles C. McCoart Jr.