Why Do We Run?


Why do we run? I understand running away from danger. But, why do we run away from the good we are supposed to embrace and do? Why do we run away from NOT doing the things we should not embrace or do? Near the time of his arrest, Jesus warned his disciples that they would face persecution in difficulty. When they faced these difficulties, they would run. They would run away from Jesus instead of running to him, leaving Jesus alone. And they did exactly what Jesus warned them about. It was not their finest moment.

What about us, who have been scattered, each one to our home? The life and activities of the Church aren’t the same. Our schedules and plans have been disrupted. The chemistry of our homes is in flux as we adjust to an extreme form of togetherness. Much that is happening is unexpected and discomforting. Maybe we are a bit angry or frustrated…even at God?

We have an advantage the disciples didn’t have. Being scattered meant being separated from Jesus. It meant running away. We don’t have to run. We may be scattered, each one to our homes, but Jesus is just as accessible as Jesus ever was. This is painful. We can run to Jesus. This is confusing. We can run to Jesus. This is grief and loss. We can run to Jesus. To whom will you run?