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Even Jesus Sometimes said “No.”
Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 5/19/2014 | Msgr. Charles Pope

Posted on 05/20/2014 2:07:48 AM PDT by markomalley

One of the struggles that many Christians experience is that the needs around us are so great, and yet we are limited, both in personal strength, and in resources. And, lurking in the back of our mind, is a notion that whatever the problem, Jesus would always help and so should we. But, then, is it always wrong to say no when there is need?

It is a true fact, Jesus was quite generous with his time, attention, and resources. We too are counseled to be rich in mercy and kindness, expansive in our charity and to be willing to forsake everything to follow Christ. But for limited human beings, often with many obligations are there no limits? Of course there have to be. But, “What would Jesus Do?” Did he ever say, “No?”

Many think Jesus always said yes, especially to the poor and needy. But in fact there are instances where Jesus said, “No.” I’d like to look at three of them. I choose these three, because to some extent they deal with the needy. Other examples of Jesus saying no pertain more to specialized or inappropriate requests (e.g. James and John want seats of honor, Peter wants to use a sword to defend Jesus). But lets take a look at three occurrences of Jesus saying no and see what we can learn.

I. No to the Sick? The scene is Capernaum. Jesus and his apostles have made quite an impression. Jesus has cured a demon-possessed man in the synagogue and word has spread. Jesus is lodging at the house of Simon Peter and has just cured Peter’s mother-in-law of a great fever. The Gospel of Mark picks up the story:

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. (Mark 1:34-35)

So, clearly the Lord is helping a lot of people here, as was his custom. The crowd seems to have grown quite large and goes on curing till sundown. But then comes a twist:

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you!” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” (Mark 1:35-38)

Here we have what seems an unusual occurrence, Jesus is informed by Peter and the others that “Everyone is looking for you!” The exasperated statement implies that a line has once again formed in Capernaum of those seeking healing from various ailments. Many of the sick are waiting for his ministrations. But Jesus says, “No” to the request to return. He also indicates an intention to go to other villages so that he might preach, for THAT is what he has come to do.

Why does Jesus say no? For two reasons it would seem.

First, in terms of his humanity, he is limited. He has not come to save Capernaum only and must devote attention to other places as well. In effect he must allocate his (humanly speaking) “limited” resources justly and effectively. This is also the case with us. We must help the poor, but we must also feed our children, and meet other just obligations. Saying “No” is not necessarily un-Christlike, but is rather a humble admission of our limitedness.

A second reason Jesus likely says no is that he will not allow himself to be defined merely as a medical miracle worker. He has come to preach and ultimately to take up his cross. Part of what he preaches is the role of the cross in life. It is not always appropriate to alleviate every burden. To be labeled as “Mr Fix-it” is to be diminished. For the Lord did not come merely to heal the body, but also and even more so, the soul. Jesus’ “No” is therefore also a teaching moment.

We too who would imitate Christ should not think that alleviating burdens is our only mission. Sometimes it is more loving to let others carry the crosses God intends. We are not necessarily callous or un-Christlike in this if our intent is allow people to experience necessary growth or to experience the necessary consequences of their choices.

We must be careful not to easily excuse ourselves from our duties to help others but neither should we become enablers or those who cause others to become too dependent. We should not usually do for others what they can do for themselves.

The good should not eclipse the best – The Lord could not allow himself to be drawn into a situation where what was good about him (healings) eclipsed what was best (salvation and the preaching of the Kingdom). Hence, he said, “No.”

II. No on a matter of Social Justice?? On another occasion in the context of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain a man called out from the crowd:

Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” [But] Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:13-15)

Here too we have a bit of an unexpected twist. We might almost expect Jesus to side with this man. After all isn’t sharing the family inheritance with potentially needy siblings a just and charitable thing to encourage and do? But Jesus says, “No” and then warns the man of greed.

Here too the no of Jesus seems to point to two issues: First, Jesus is not going to be roped into being a legal arbiter of worldly matters. He has come to preach the Kingdom and save us and will not be defined down into probating wills and settling inheritance law.  Another issue is that Jesus, who is able to see into the man’s heart, says no to rebuke the man’s greed.

And thus we are taught two things by Jesus’ “No.”

First, that we are not always obliged to solve every one’s problems. Sometimes people try inappropriately to draw us into what does not involve us. They may ask us to take sides in a family dispute or some community issue where it is not right for us to take sides. On other occasions we may be asked to resolve matters involving two adults who should reasonably be expected to work out their own differences. Supervisors, pastors, and other leaders often experience such inappropriate attempts to draw them into disputes or take sides. There are surely times when leaders have to help arbitrate matters, especially if they pertain to the specific matters over which they have authority. But there are also many occasions when requested help in such matters deserves a “no” and it is not un-Christlike to do so.

A second thing that we are taught here by Jesus’ “no” is that we are not always required to give people what they want. Although we are not gifted with Jesus’ ability to see into people’s heart and understand their motives fully, it remains true that we CAN sometimes see that “no” is the best answer in given circumstances. Perhaps we can see that what a person asks for is inappropriate or will cause harm to others. Perhaps it will offend against the common good or show favoritism. Perhaps the request involves an unwise use of resources or goes contrary to agreed upon goals and priorities. There may be any number of reasons we can and should say “no” and doing so is not necessarily un-Christlike. This may be so even if the one requesting insists that it is about what is just and fair. It may cause disappointment or even anger in others but that does not mean that we are necessarily doing anything wrong. Jesus did sometimes say, “No.”

III. No to the Hungry?? The final example brings us to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed somewhere between 5000 and 20,000 people. News of this has spread and the word of free food is starting to draw a crowd. Further, some of the crowd was not dispersing. So Jesus draws apart to pray and sends the apostles to the other side of the lake where he promises to join them later. After walking on the water (!) to meet them in the boat they come to other shore. News that Jesus had headed in that direction reached some in the crowd who ran around the lake and as Jesus disembarks they greet him with false surprise: “Rabbi! When did you get here?!” Jesus was not born yesterday and he knows that they are seeking more free food so he says to them: I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (John 6:26-27).

In effect Jesus refuses to produce again the food of this world and summons them to faith. He goes on to teach extensively in the remainder of John 6 on the Holy Eucharist and insists that this was the food that was more necessary for them. They are unimpressed and reject his teaching as a “hard saying” (Jn 6:60). But in effect here to we have a “no” from Jesus.

Feeding the hungry is usually something commended, even commanded. But Jesus, in the end will not allow them to seek only that which is good (bread) and refuse what is best (the Bread of Life).

As a priest I have frequently had this problem with some of the poor who come to me. When they first come asking for financial assistance I give it whole heartedly and inquire as to their story. They almost always admit that they have no real church home (otherwise why would they be coming to me). I indicate to them that it is absolutely essential for their salvation that they come to Church and receive Holy Communion. If they are not a Catholic they should at least come and see if they are ready to accept the faith. But most of them do not follow up on this invitation and yet still come back seeking for money and resources. I begin then to place conditions upon the continued assistance, that, if they do not start coming or I cannot be sure they are attending somewhere, I will not continue to give worldly food to those who refuse heavenly food.

Some have argued that this is not what Jesus would do, but in fact this is exactly what he did. He said no to those who wanted only their bellies filled but not their heart. Of course in utter emergency and if little children are involved this approach may have to be adapted. Further, there ARE other places to get food and essentials in this country than one Catholic Parish. Perhaps I can refer an individual somewhere else.   But in the end, I have to summon people not merely to the good, but to the best. This is not un-Christlike.

The essential point then, is that it is not always wrong to say no. Jesus did so, even in some classic social justice and charity situations. We should never glibly say no or be unnecessarily hurtful. But there are just times when no is the best and most Christ-like answer.

Your additions, distinctions and rebuttals are encouraged and appreciated.


TOPICS: Catholic
KEYWORDS: alms; catholic; charity; generosity; homeless; msgrcharlespope; poor; poverty

1 posted on 05/20/2014 2:07:48 AM PDT by markomalley
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To: AllAmericanGirl44; Biggirl; Carpe Cerevisi; ConorMacNessa; Faith65; GreyFriar; Heart-Rest; ...

Msgr Pope ping


2 posted on 05/20/2014 2:08:39 AM PDT by markomalley (Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good -- Leo XIII)
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To: markomalley

Excellent exegesis.

Does away nicely with “liberation theology”.


3 posted on 05/20/2014 3:31:04 AM PDT by Westbrook (Children do not divide your love, they multiply it.)
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To: markomalley; Tax-chick; GregB; Berlin_Freeper; SumProVita; narses; bboop; SevenofNine; ...

Ping!


4 posted on 05/20/2014 4:41:19 AM PDT by NYer ("You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears." James 4:14)
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To: markomalley

Cardinal Wuerl commands his priests—including Msgr. Pope—to commit the mortal sin of giving Communion to, for example, Nancy Pelosi—i.e., people who promote abortion and other crimes.

No bishop has the authority to issue such a command. No priest may obey such a command, even once, even if he faces punishment inflicted by a corrupt bishop. In a Church that was not deeply corrupt, no bishop would dare to command his priests to commit mortal sin, because he would know that he would be universally disobeyed.


5 posted on 05/20/2014 4:51:56 AM PDT by Arthur McGowan
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To: Westbrook

“In effect Jesus refuses to produce again the food of this world and summons them to faith. He goes on to teach extensively in the remainder of John 6 on the Holy Eucharist and insists that this was the food that was more necessary for them.”

Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Okay, I’m showing my age with that reference, but it fits nicely because that is anything but “excellent exegesis.” Don’t let him mislead you on this seminal chapter. Christ wasn’t speaking of the “Holy Eucharist” at all.

Feasting on Christ as the Bread of Life
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=41010045323

Jesus Is the Bread...The Bread Is Not Jesus
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9260613359

The Bread of God
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=260704459


6 posted on 05/20/2014 5:14:28 AM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: .45 Long Colt

You are wrong. The Catholic understanding is based directly on Jesus words and 2000 years of Sacred Tradition passed on from the Apostles. Yours is a novelty based on faulty understanding and is less than 500 years old.


7 posted on 05/20/2014 5:21:51 AM PDT by verga (Conservative, leaning libertatrian)
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To: markomalley

“In effect Jesus refuses to produce again the food...”

AKA ‘No soup for you!’

The Christian’s deified rabbi is the original soup nazi. LOL!


8 posted on 05/20/2014 6:15:32 AM PDT by Jack Hydrazine (Pubbies = national collectivists; Dems = international collectivists; We need a second party!)
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To: markomalley
God always has three answers for us.

Yes
No
Not now, maybe later.

9 posted on 05/20/2014 6:20:18 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: markomalley

Good expository Bible preaching!

I like it when Msgr. Pope does that.

:-)


10 posted on 05/20/2014 6:21:48 AM PDT by left that other site (You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
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To: verga

Why not listen to the links I provided before responding and telling me I am wrong? Have you been an Acts 17 Berean and searched the Scriptures to see if what you have been taught is so or have you blindly accepted Rome’s teaching? What if she is totally wrong? Do you value your soul?

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
—Proverbs 18:13


11 posted on 05/20/2014 6:37:21 AM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: Arthur McGowan

“Cardinal Wuerl commands his priests...to commit the mortal sin of giving Communion to...people who promote abortion and other crimes...”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your comment goes right to the point of this article, that we are to be focused on the Divine will, and not subject to nor distracted by the oft self-loving or otherwise misguided demands of others.


12 posted on 05/20/2014 6:39:05 AM PDT by Repent and Believe (Promote good. Tolerate the harmless. Let evil be crushed.)
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To: markomalley

” I begin then to place conditions upon the continued assistance, that, if they do not start coming or I cannot be sure they are attending somewhere, I will not continue to give worldly food to those who refuse heavenly food.”

This is the main reason that the left wants the government to take over “charity” in the form of unconditional handouts. They DO NOT WANT people to seek The Bread of Life, and most private charities, due to limited resources, will not continue to give hand outs unconditionally.


13 posted on 05/20/2014 6:44:19 AM PDT by MrB (The difference between a Humanist and a Satanist - the latter admits whom he's working for)
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To: .45 Long Colt

I have studied this exact topic extensively. The Catholic Church is the only one that matches up with scr4ipture to the letter.


14 posted on 05/20/2014 6:51:45 AM PDT by verga (Conservative, leaning libertatrian)
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To: verga

Okay, I obviously disagree, but you know best. However, I still suggest you listen to the links I provided. What could it hurt? You would surely be better equipped to deal with those of differing views. If you are right I doubt anyone on Earth can shake your confidence. Meanwhile I’ll be praying The Lord is leading someone else out there.


15 posted on 05/20/2014 7:24:04 AM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: .45 Long Colt

I will make you a deal, you read either “Not by Bread alone” by Robert A. Sungenis, or “This is my Body” by Mark P. Shea, and I will listen to your links


16 posted on 05/20/2014 8:29:56 AM PDT by verga (Conservative, leaning libertatrian)
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To: Salvation
God always has three answers for us.

We could say He has one answer for us: "I love you and I know what's best for you."

17 posted on 05/20/2014 1:40:40 PM PDT by Tax-chick (You say I'm insane ... I say you're afraid.)
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To: .45 Long Colt
I will make you a deal, you read either “Not by Bread alone” by Robert A. Sungenis, or “This is my Body” by Mark P. Shea, and I will listen to your links

Interesting you expect a Catholic to just blindly listen to / read protestant links, but won't read anything from a Catholic perspective.

18 posted on 05/21/2014 4:36:39 PM PDT by verga (Conservative, leaning libertatrian)
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To: verga

I’m just now reading his response to my comment. I have studied Romanism for years, so I have read reams from the Catholic perspective.

And I don’t expect anyone to do anything. The Lord must lead someone to listen, read, watch, etc. I post links to good materials full of truth. What happens with them is in His hands. That’s how it always works. All men can do is plant seeds. Men are willing and come to saving belief in the day of His power (psalm 110:3) and not a minute before.

I’m perfectly willing to read Not By Bread Alone. I’m quite familiar with Sungenis because I’ve seen him debate. I’ll see if I can get his book for Kindle.


19 posted on 05/21/2014 5:20:59 PM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: verga

That should have said that I’m just now seeing *your* response, not “his response.”


20 posted on 05/21/2014 5:22:47 PM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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