Last Sunday we heard Jesus send the Twelve on a mission; this Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time we see them return with a report on their achievement and their preaching. In the Gospel of St. Mark today we hear how Jesus notices that his people are tired; and he leads them to a place where they might rest. They need food, relaxation and contemplative prayer. When a crowd shows up needing attention, Jesus teaches them and lets the Apostles rest. He is the example of shepherding that we may and must do for each other—in our families and our many different communities.

​All of us have very busy weeks: we are all loaded with responsibilities at home and at work, with friends and family. Our lifestyle does not lend itself to resting; we feel guilty and “shiftless” when we do. (I just read an article where doctors are ordering walks in the woods for their stressed out patients!) We all live as “workaholics”—and just the fact that we have that word in our vocabulary shows that there is a need for its’ use. The clock—and time— rules our lives.

I don’t know about you—but yesterday I was shocked to realize that we are half-way through July!

We all have the sense of time running out, or not having enough time to do all that we want or need to do. Today’s Gospel shows us though, that we should try and have the habit of encouraging rest for each other. How? By making it possible through helping out where needed when able; by lightening existing burdens through sharing the load at church, at work and at home; by giving permission to those of family, friends and in this Community to do as Jesus enabled His disciples to do: to ‘take a break with God.’ It doesn’t even have to be long—maybe even just a few hours of reprieve for rest, renewal and relaxation. A time to reflect, refocus and recharge our energies for what is most important: life in the Spirit. Think how much better our lives would be with us all looking out for each other’s needs—in helping others, yet knowing others are looking out for you too. This is Community and Communion.

Like the Gospel story today of the crowd who shows up seeking assurance, we are a flock in distress at times (just watch the news), and under stress. We all need a place of rest in order to meet with our Shepherd, and to remember that we are not—we are never—abandoned. The Responsorial Psalm today—the Twenty-third Psalm—gives us the direction to this place of rest: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” St. Aidan is a great place to be refreshed, revitalized and renewed in the Lord and in all things: in work, in mission, in people and in play. We are so glad you are here!

What a great reason to keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

In the Old Testament Reading this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear about the downside of being a prophet (like Elijah from last week). Today we hear the Prophet Amos say, “The Lord took me…and said to me, ‘Go and prophesy’…” Because of his calling Amos is sent away by the priest Amaziah. In the Gospel Jesus sends out his disciples with explicit instructions to take with them only the bare minimum. (That would be scary!) The disciples are not prophets, but have been commissioned to preach repentance, to exorcise demons and to heal the sick.

​We all inherit this mission⎯this call⎯by our Baptism and belief. Although in our many differing ministries and walks of life, we may eat and sleep where we like, it can be intimidating to confront the ‘demons’ we must face, too. Think about it: demons of fear, demons of insecurity or inadequacy, demons of jealousy and pride. In the face of all kinds of ‘demons’ how difficult it is at times to know what to say to grieving families; or to be patient and compassionate with the ill, the ignorant or the annoying. Every day we face moments as Christian missionaries that challenge us to respond as Christ would respond.

St. Paul tells us today that we were chosen for this; “we were destined for adoption…(by) Christ; destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things…In accord with the riches of his grace which he has lavished upon us.” We have all been given gifts for the building of the kingdom of God: all of us were chosen for this purpose.

In the Music Ministry, we do face our own particular demons in our mission: how intimidating it can be sometimes to lead the psalm from the ambo, or to lead the Assembly in song, or in a reflection of the Word (an anthem) and to realize that what transpires musically may affect the Community’s experience of the Divine this day. We face these ‘demons’ (or challenges) along with those of stubborn assemblies who don’t sing along (not so here at St. Aidan’s), or parishioners who don’t understand the ministry (or its’ requirements).

I always say if we are not moving forward we aren’t staying still, so which direction are we going? Because nothing stays the same! There is always work to do to better sharpen the gifts given—looking for never ending improvements. The challenge is to hone and use your many gifts for the Kingdom. Time to get to work in our Mission!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc