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
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
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