Available

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).

 

Availability is something we have all dealt w

ith in the last few months. When news of Covid-19 began to spread many people began to “stock up” on essentials. This caused some shortages in specific staples. Even today we still have a bit of a problem with certain items that are in short supply. As I make my order for curbside pickup from the grocery store, I am always faced with the exception of “limited supply, substitution allowed” as the only choice for these items. Some of these substitutions have turned out to be a pleasant surprise; and, others have been a challenge to the convenience we had become accustomed to. This has also been true in other areas. Various health care providers have been much less available than previously. Stores and restaurants have been unavailable for walk-in shopping. Up until last week I had not had a hair-cut since before March 3^rd; and, believe me, I needed one badly.

 

Our reading today tells us that there will never be a time when Jesus is not available. He showed us that in his earthly ministry. Jesus often stopped to talk with and care for people who had needs or questions, people who were poor, ill, or doubtful. This took a lot of time and ­energy. Jesus understood self-care and made time for prayer and quiet away from everyone, but he also made himself radically available to whomever he met.

Even as he prepared to ascend to heaven, Jesus promised to be with his followers. Even when Jesus gave his parting instructions, he did not abandon his disciples to the task, but rather said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Jesus has given us his Spirit to walk with us throug

h whatever challenges we face. The Spirit is always here, God with us. Of course I would not suggest that we can mimic that trait, but we can choose to give people high priority. Jesus made time for people and reminds us that whatever we do for others, we do for him (cf. Matthew 25:40). In the Spirit of Christ, we can make ourselves available to help others along the way. I hope you will be as ready to serve, guide, redirect, encourage, confront, teach, share, testify, question, understand, listen, advise, and guide others as Jesus did. Be available to those God places in your journey.