21 July, 2024 | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jer 23:1-6, Eph 2:13-18

Gospel Mk 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers,

and they had no opportunity even to eat.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.

They hastened there on foot from all the towns

and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,

his heart was moved with pity for them,

for they were like sheep without a shepherd;

and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection:

By calling the apostles to “rest a while,” Jesus is giving them a chance to “recharge” or “reorient.” While physical rest is needed after an arduous mission, what is more important is the privileged time and space to attune oneself to God so that one’s actions will once again be in keeping with his will. Human beings are prone to delusions and distractions which can disorient and sidetrack them away from their vocation. The call to rest a while serves two purposes: it renews and strengthens the “missionaries” zeal and brings them in contact with the Lord, who is the only source, guide and end of their mission. 

Activity: 

Evaluate your daily schedule and see if there is time for leisure, contemplation and silence, in order to reconnect with the Divine – if not, make a change.