He Wants to Love and Care for You

Over the past couple of days, we’ve reflected on a passage in the Gospel of John (12:1-8) where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with oil.

I remember a couple of years ago, near the very end of the day, I was just about to head out to go home, and a woman walked in the church. She looks down and out… And as she peeks her head in, she asks if she can sit in the sanctuary and pray.  It was the end of the day, and I was feeling kind of anxious and ready to go, but I said, “Sure go ahead.” And I thought: Well I’ll knock out a few more things.  So I went back in the study.  

But she’s in there a long time, and I’m starting to wonder, should I go in there and check on her? Should I see if she needs any help? Should I just let her be? 

I was feeling kind of anxious because that morning, on my way into church, I got a phone call from one of my daughters. I don’t even remember what it was now, but there was clearly distress on the other end.  You probably know that kind of phone call… when there is not much you can do but listen… And worry! 

So, it’s kind of a bad day. And now I’m feeling anxious, ready to go.

But just a few moments later, she comes out, and I ask if I can help her with anything. She said, “Yeah. Can you help me with some groceries or some food?” I handed her a grocery gift gift card, and I asked if I could pray for her.  

When I finished the prayer, she looked at me and said, “Thank you, Pastor. Can I pray for you?” I was a little caught off guard, but I said sure.  She put her hand on my shoulder, and it was the most beautiful heartfelt prayer…I could feel this sense of peace coming over me as she prayed. Then she said, “Pastor, you look tired. Get some rest.” And then she left…

Do you know that feeling when someone has seen you – and cared?  It feels pretty good. Even still, I don’t know about you, but I find it much easier to be the one who takes care of others. For some of us – it’s easier to be on the giving side than the receiving side. Sometimes it’s hard to allow other people to care for us, or – even harder to ask for help when we need it. 

I think again about this passage. Jesus, the One who saves us, Jesus, the One who heals us, Jesus, the One who goes to the cross for us – allows his friend to love and care for him.  I’m reminded: He wants to love and care for us. And sometimes he is going to use other people to do it.  We just have to be willing to let him.

Let us pray: Gracious God, give us eyes to see the need of the person right in front of us. But also help us to be the kind of people who are not too proud to ask for help… and who allow others to care for us. And as we do, may we experience your deeper love – the love of Christ himself.  Amen.