Make Time to Rest with God
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the Gospel, we read about the return of the Twelve, who were sent by Jesus to preach repentance, heal the sick, and drive out demons. Upon their return, Jesus invites them to withdraw from the crowds for rest. However, the crowds persist, seeking out Jesus and the disciples, who now share in His popularity. They are so overwhelmed by the people’s needs that they don’t even have time to eat. CS Lewis, in “God in the Docks” explained this by saying, “Jesus Christ did not say, 'Go into the world and tell the world that it is quite right.” The brokenness of the people compelled them to keep seeking Christ. In an attempt to find solitude, Jesus and His disciples board a boat, hoping to reach a deserted place. But the crowds anticipate this and arrive ahead of them. Despite the desire for solitude, Jesus is moved with compassion and begins to teach the eager crowds.
Our Gospel reading ends here, but Mark’s account of the crowd’s relentless demands continues in the subsequent verses. If we were to read on, we’d hear about Jesus instructing His disciples to feed the crowd in the well-known miracle of the loaves and fishes. This episode highlights the non-stop nature of Jesus and His disciples’ ministry. It is reminiscent of Jeremiah’s words, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have banished them and bring them back to their folds; there they shall be fruitful and multiply” (Jeremiah 23:3). In the coming weeks, the story of Jesus feeding the multitude will be explored further, as our Lectionary transitions to the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John for reflection.
In the Gospel, the Twelve are referred to as “apostles,” a Greek term meaning “one who is sent.” Jesus selected twelve men from His followers to share in His mission of preaching and healing. These men know Him and He knew them well. “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The first mention of this is in the third chapter of Mark’s Gospel, where the Twelve are named and called apostles.
As modern-day disciples of Jesus, we are also called to share the Gospel with others. Our commitment to following Jesus can sometimes leave us feeling tired and overwhelmed. Today’s Gospel highlights the importance of rest and renewal, as Jesus encourages His disciples to take time away with Him. Christ invites us to ““Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). We seek this renewal through prayer and participation in the Eucharist, finding moments of peace in our spiritual lives.
This passage reminds us of the balance between action and rest in our spiritual journey. The Psalmist prays “You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5), highlighting how God desires our rest and to nourish us. Jesus exemplifies compassion and dedication to His mission, yet acknowledges the necessity of retreat and reflection. The constant demands of ministry are met with an invitation to recharge and find strength in solitude with God.
In our lives, we encounter similar challenges, juggling responsibilities while trying to maintain spiritual health. The example set by Jesus and His apostles encourages us to prioritize both service and self-care. By carving out time for rest and communion with God, we sustain our ability to serve others effectively. Remember, Christ has set us free to rest in Him and commune with Him, “for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 13:18).
Ultimately, today’s Gospel teaches us about the rhythm of discipleship—engaging with the world while nurturing our inner spiritual life. Through prayer and reflection, we find the energy to continue sharing the message of Christ, fulfilling our role as modern apostles. This balance is essential to living out our faith and maintaining a vibrant connection with God.
Deus Benedicat