“Please hold for…”
There are people you never get to speak with. Not without an appointment.
Depending on who they are, you may have to make that appointment well in advance. Or convince some underling that they should see you. That sends a signal.
This is someone important. Their time is valuable.
Often with more than a touch of “you-should-be-grateful-they’re-even-willing-to-see-you.”
But if they need to get a hold you? That’s a different story.
Either some underling texts or emails you. Telling you when and where to meet them. Giving you the chance to cancel/reschedule/reorganize your world around them and their schedule.
Or, even better, doesn’t give you that chance. Instead, they let you know that they own your time. By calling you with the classic opener “Please hold for…”
There’s nothing quite like being on the receiving end of one of those. To make you feel disposable, unimportant. More like a thing and less like a person.
The complete opposite of what we see in today’s Gospel. Where a man named Jarius comes to Jesus, begging Jesus to heal his dying daughter.
Jesus’ response? Jesus leaves immediately with Jarius. No appointment necessary.
On the way with Jarius, a woman reaches out to touch Jesus in desperation.
Jesus’ response? More of the same. Jesus pauses to heal her right then. No need to wait.
Then He continues on to help Jarius. Typical Jesus.
It’s the kind of treatment that Jesus gives to each of us. And to all of us.
Think about that for a second. The most important person in the world. The Second Person of the Trinity. God incarnate.
Has time just for you. Right now.
So what are you waiting for?
Today’s Readings