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JMJ
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."
(St. Teresa of Calcutta)In his letter to the Hebrews St. Paul says that:
". . we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin."In subjecting Himself to human nature Christ subjected Himself to human weakness, notably fatigue. Demands were constantly being put upon Our Lord by the crowds who followed Him; even when He sought to go off by Himself, the crowds persisted in seeking Him. Yet, though the Gospels may mention that Our Lord was tired, they never state that He was weary of being bothered. His love was inexhaustible.
In daily living, one can easily become tired: physically, mentally, or emotionally. Fatigue and exhaustion are common complaints following strenuous efforts to provide for one's family. Or perhaps it is the frustrations of dealing with an obdurate child or a colicky newborn that allows weariness to creep in. Or maybe it is the emotional strain of a tragic situation that drains one's energy.
One grows tired of patiently carrying his cross, and feels that he has loved his family in so many unseen ways, and unnoticed sacrifices. It is tempting to resent any extra demands- little as they may be- placed upon him. But here is when true heroism must shine forth. Rather than begrudging more pleadings to be loved by those around him, he must selflessly embrace these extra opportunities, even though they may come at a great cost to his own personal comfort.
