ARE YOU WITH ME?
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” - Lk 11:14-23
One of the running coaches I follow once said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give to a friend running the marathon is to help run and pace them for a few miles. It can go a long way.” Last weekend, I was moved to see love in action by how my husband cared for our friend. At mile 21, when most would hit the wall while running, we saw our friend and cheered him on. He saw my husband approaching the course, and our friend responded, “You don’t have to run with me.” Without a word, my husband continued to run alongside him, holding and handing water for him until the last mile of the race. Then he said to our friend, “This last mile is yours.”
What remained in my heart was how my husband decided to be there for our friend during the most gruesome miles and not let him suffer alone when given a way out. He did not have to run, but he wanted to offer his presence when it was most difficult and not just in the celebration of completing the race. At that moment, my husband chose to love and stirred within me to reflect, "How am I called to help increase in love, hope, and faith for others?" Today's gospel reminds me how there is no in-between when following Jesus. There is no neutral ground. We make futile progress on our journey when one of our feet is on the path of holiness, and the other foot is on the world's way. God encourages us to pray this Lenten season and asks, "How am I invited to connect with those in front of me?"
Lord, help gather my heart to become more willing and open to those in need.
Tam Lontok