Interrupted by messiness

When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully - someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.

Matthew 14:13-14

I'm reading through Mike Yaconnelli's book, "Messy Spirituality". It's helpful to be reminded that spirituality is not just about quiet spaces. Engaging with real people with real lives calls on a real spirituality lived in the now. For me that often involves the demands of a busy family - housework, cooking, helping with music practice and homework, discussing sexism and unpacking the ethics of buying brand clothing. I note here that Jesus calls on compassion rather than duty.