In the bustling narratives of the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a Jesus who is always on the move, always in a hurry. The term “immediately” or “straight away” appears with striking frequency in Mark’s account, especially in the first chapter where it is used eight times, and in Mark 5:21-35 where it occurs three times in a sequence of urgent stories. In total, this word appears forty times in Mark’s Gospel, underscoring a sense of urgency that brings Jesus into direct conflict with the conservative elements of society who prefer a slower, more cautious approach.
The Urgency of Our Needs
Reflecting on these stories invites us to consider the times in our lives when we have felt the pressing urgency of our own needs. There have likely been moments when we felt overlooked, when our cries for help seemed either too insignificant or too delayed. Yet, today’s scripture reassures us that Jesus’ compassion and power are always timely and sufficient.
One of the most powerful narratives illustrating this urgency is the story of the woman who had been suffering for twelve long years. Her need was great, and her faith was greater. In a moment of desperation and hope, she felt that “Today was the day!” and she reached out to touch Jesus’ cloak, believing that even this small act could bring healing. Jesus’ response was immediate and transformative: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34).
Important but Not Urgent
As we reflect on this story, it prompts us to consider the concept of tasks and needs that are important but not urgent. The Eisenhower Matrix, a tool for prioritizing actions, categorizes tasks into four quadrants:
- Important and Urgent
- Important but Not Urgent
- Unimportant but Urgent
- Unimportant and Not Urgent
Tasks that are both important and urgent naturally demand our immediate attention. They are front of mind, and other people are counting on us to complete them. These are the tasks that get done without much planning or discipline on our part. However, life becomes frustrating when important tasks are left undone or when our lives are filled with urgent tasks that are not truly important.
The Tyranny of the Urgent
Too often, urgent tasks take priority, even if they are not important. This phenomenon is often described as “firefighting”—responding to crises that divert us from our planned activities. For instance, rounding up sheep that have escaped onto the main road is urgent, but if the fences had been properly maintained (important but not urgent), the crisis could have been avoided.
It is a common dilemma that some of the most important things in life are not urgent, making them easy to postpone. These tasks are so crucial that rushing them would be counterproductive. Yet, without a conscious effort to prioritize them, months and years can pass without them being addressed. In our personal lives, these could be getting fit, losing weight, or maintaining friendships. In our communities and politics, they might involve developing strategic plans, addressing social issues, or even striving for world peace.
The Woman’s Twelve-Year Wait
The story of the woman who waited twelve years for healing is a profound illustration of an important need that was not initially urgent. Her condition was chronic, not acute, and thus easy to ignore or put off dealing with. Yet, her persistence and faith eventually brought her to a moment of action. When she finally reached out to Jesus, it was a significant step in addressing an important need that had long been deferred.
Setting Priorities
Setting priorities requires us to develop strategies to ensure that important things get done, preventing our lives from becoming a series of urgent demands. Without a conscious plan, the urgent will always overshadow the important, regardless of their true significance.
Deciding which tasks fall into which categories is not always easy and often requires discernment. We need to take time to reflect and prioritize, asking ourselves: What is most important? What must be done?
Balancing Urgency and Importance
In the spirit of Jesus’ urgent compassion, let us strive to balance our lives, ensuring that neither the important nor the urgent are neglected. By making conscious decisions and setting clear priorities, we can live lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling, attending to what truly matters in a timely and effective manner.
As we continue on our journeys, let the story of the woman who waited twelve years inspire us to address the important needs in our lives before they become urgent crises. Let us not wait until we are desperate to reach out for help or to make changes. Instead, let us act with intention and faith, trusting that with thoughtful prioritization and divine guidance, we can meet our needs and fulfil our purpose.
Brian Spencer
Minister, Waranga Uniting Churches