A few years ago, Doc Sloan related to me a story about former Minnesota Twins shortstop, Zoilo Versalles. Zoilo was an outstanding player for the Twins during the 1960’s. He even was selected as the league’s most valuable player in 1965. This event took place a year or two later in Independence, Iowa, when the winter caravan for the Twins came through the area. A banquet was held, several players were introduced, and it was a good-will gesture by the teams of that era to encourage fan support for the year ahead.
During the banquet, Doc recounted how one of the front office personnel was called out of the room to take a phone call. When he came back, he took Zoilo Versalles out of the room and talked to him. When he re-entered the room Doc could see that Zoilo was troubled and downcast. Later in the program they found out the reason that Zoilo was so disappointed. It was announced that very night, Versalles had been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He would no longer be a member of the Minnesota Twins.
After the banquet was over, Doc Sloan and another friend approached some of the players. They told him of another friend of theirs who couldn’t get out of bed, but who was a big Twins fan. He listened to all of the broadcasts, he had memorabilia all over his bedroom, he loved the Twins. Even though Zoilo had been traded, he agreed to go with Doc Sloan to visit the man who was unable to leave his bed. When they got there, Doc recounted, “Versalles became a new person. He joked with the man. He even picked up one of the souvenir bats and talked about hitting. He helped a man that night to feel as if he had been Zoilo’s friend all his life.” Doc Sloan never forgot the kindness of that ball player that night. In the midst of one of the worst moments in his life, he took the time to give a lonely man a memory he would cherish forever. What a gift he gave. From a compassonate heart in pain came a moment to be remembered for a man he met for the first time.
One of the worst days in Jesus’ life had to be the day he heard of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist who was beheaded by Herold. Jesus revered John highly, in fact it was to John that Jesus went to be baptized in the Jordan River. Jesus also said about John, “Truly, I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.” So when Jesus heard the news of his death, it came as a blow, a disappointment of great magnitude. No wonder that it says in Matthew that, “When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” Jesus wanted to be alone because he needed to morn, and to contemplate what it meant for his life.
But the crowds did not leave Jesus alone. They quickly found him, and it says “He made compassion for them and cured their sick.” Later a crowd gathered, and Jesus fed them, 5,000 or more, with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. In the midst of the hurt, caused by the loss of his cousin and prophet of God, Jesus still had compassion, and the memory of what he did that day could not be forgotten by the church. It lives on as a wonderful gift that Jesus gave to a hurting people. From a compassionate heart in pain came a moment to be treasured by the church wherever the name of Christ is honored as Lord.
So thank you Doc Sloan for the wonderful story of a man who gave of himself to another, even though hurt tore at his heart. Thank you, Zoilo Valsalles, for the gift you gave to a bedridden individual, a gift of joy he would never forget, though you were reeling from a hard blow. Most of all, thank you, Jesus, for offering yourself to those who were so filled with need, even though your own life had been turned upside down by the disturbing news of the death of John. Thank you, Jesus, that out of the pain of the cross, your compassionate heart reaches out to enfold all of us in your never failing arms of love.
We see today a window open on the wonder of those who can still bring joy, even though their own hearts are breaking. We see the wonder of the strong heart of Christ our Lord pouring out his life-blood on the cross to bring us healing, life, and salvation. What a compassionate Lord we have! What a wondrous gift of love he brings!
Pastor Dale Halverson
