[Jesus and his apostles] went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.   

Throughout the Gospels, it is clear that Jesus responded to a cry for help, no matter when he heard it. At one time, his disciples had come in from some tiring journeys, and he wanted to give them and himself a time to rest and pray. But when the crowds came to him, Jesus heard their unspoken cry. As the evangelist Mark comments: Jesus knew that "they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things."

One of the concepts of psychology that must be studied as we think in particular about how we interact with others is what is called "a cry for help." Psychologists tell us that certain actions indicate such a cry. Self-mutilation, excessive silence, no desire to be out in public, continual self degradation, and so forth are strong indications that something is wrong with the individual, and what he/she is doing is merely putting into action the pain and hurt in their minds. What they need is for someone who really cares for them, and to show it in some way.

However, the cries for help that are not as serious are the ones most of us are familiar with. We all know of the young people who do not get involved because no one has asked them or the person who always wants to be left alone or the person who always looks so sad. These might be labeled as lesser cries for help and perhaps such people are doing nothing more than saying to other people who might be interested, “pay attention to me—I need someone like you," as the man sang in Kings of Leon's song "Use Somebody."

A follower of Jesus Christ will desire to imitate Jesus' desire to respond to a cry for help. Such a follower will be able to truly hear a person who is hurting, and then will take the time to help such a person if possible.        

THOUGHT
 
PRAYER

Good and gracious God, one of the primary virtues that your Son showed to us while he was here on earth was his care and concern for anyone who needed him. In terms of our way of looking at things, he responded to every cry for help that he heard. May we follow his example as much as we are able. Be with us, we pray. 

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America