Last week we heard from Mark's Gospel that Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs and gave them directions about what to take, what to preach, and to heal. This Sunday's gospel continues with the disciples returning to Jesus. They were excited and reported to Jesus on all they had done and taught. It also states that they were so busy that they did not have enough time to eat.
Our culture has us running from one thing to another. I have heard parents and students talk about all the activities they have after school and weekends. You may have heard or know people who constantly work long hours, get very little rest, and eat unhealthily by grabbing food on the go. I watch people around me who live by their calendar with every hour filled with meetings, appointments, and other commitments.
In the gospel Jesus invites the disciples with him to go to a place where they can rest. No one can be on the go twenty-four hours a day. Of course, it is important to be responsible, and if we want to keep our jobs, we have to get our work done. In order to do this, however, we need to recognize our need for Jesus.
Jesus, himself, often went off alone to pray. I believe that is where he gathered his strength. How do you gather your strength to be renewed? Do you take a day off to rest, play, or pray? And what about relationship with others and with God? We cannot live in isolation. We need family and friends. More importantly, we need Jesus. For peace and rest we need to take time to sit and talk to him and to be still and listen.
I make time to pray and reflect on Sunday mornings. I am fortunate that I go once a year for quiet and rest with God on my annual retreat. These times deepen my relationship with Christ. How do you deepen your relationship with God?
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