Beyond Ourselves

“The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all.”  (Matthew 12:14-15)

Today’s gospel reminded me of a conversation I had this morning. I gave a presentation to about 70 school nurses and spoke to them about pediatric oncology. A woman at the conference mentioned that one of her students had been treated at Children’s. She spoke about how amazing it is that this family was able to see beyond the tragedy of their child’s cancer and subsequent relapse and share on their Caring Bridge website all the blessings that have been bestowed on them. Jesus was experiencing a similar situation. The Pharisees were plotting against Jesus and took counsel to put him to death. Rather than letting that realization overwhelm him with fear or anger, Jesus withdrew from that place. There are many accounts in scripture of Jesus withdrawing from the scene, and each time he went off to pray. He called upon his heavenly Father to provide him the grace and peace he needed during that trial. And he continued to do what he came to do; he cured all those who followed him.

So often our families at the hospital are able to do the same. They are able to look beyond their own circumstances and reach out to other families that are hurting. They may reach out to a new family whose child has just been diagnosed, they reach out to another family whose child has had a difficult time or has relapsed and they reach out to those whose child is dying even though they fear the same thing happening to their own child. Not only do they help other families whose child has cancer, they often offer support to their own family and friends who are in shock. They offer comfort instead of being comforted.

“You do see, you do observe this misery and sorrow, you take the matter in hand. To you the helpless can entrust their cause; you are the defender of orphans.” (Psalm 10:14) God is always in the midst of our misery and sorrow, he holds us in the palm of his hand and this is the reason we can look beyond ourselves during difficult times. We know God is present and he is bestowing blessings on us during our trials. He gives us peace and hope, never leaving us orphan. Dear Lord, help me to see beyond my pain and suffering. Help me to reach out to those in need even when my world seems to be too much to bear. I know that even in the midst of our trials your healing touch is at work. Help me to be open to all that you offer to us.