Close but not too close

There is a scene in the rather profane movie "Jesus Christ Superstar" where the actor playing Christ is literally buried by a crowd of people wanting to be healed.

In reality, as described in today’s Holy Gospel (Mark 3:7-12), our Lord was careful to avoid such a problem, even to the point of using a boat to protect himself from the crowd.

Likewise, it is important for each of us to keep a prudent but faithful balance as we seek to pass on God’s love and truth to others.

The work of Christ’s love inevitably involves closeness: a standoffish Christian is usually not an effective Christian.

(That is not to say that we all have to be gregarious extroverts: the example of the current Holy Father is helpful – a shy intellectual with a German accent who quietly yet powerfully brings the truth and love of Christ to millions.)

But we must also be prudent: careful not to be overwhelmed or crushed by the number or intensity of heartaches that need what grace and faith have given us, careful not to confuse our hearts while we keep them open, careful not to be bound to this world even as we work with others for the good of all.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reached out with love, grace, and power to all – even as he took care and maintained limits.

So must we be as we go among his people and out into the world – close but not too close – in the footsteps and in the name of Jesus.