Sunday Gospel Reflection, July 22, 2018

Sea of Galilee

February, 2018

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.  Mark 6:30-34

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Reflection

In today's Gospel Mark tells us of the return of the apostles and how they reported to Jesus about their journey.  I think Jesus was aware of their need to rest because he had experienced it himself.  So, at his suggestion he says, "Lets go somewhere quiet, rest and think about what you learned from your time with those you taught."  I think he was saying, "You need time to consider what they had experienced.  

How often do I fail to take time to really take time to think about what my day has been to me.  Maybe it's been a day full of joy.  Perhaps, it been one full of challenges.  Or maybe, there was anger and frustration as part of the day.  

I think we know we need time to rest in, reflect on, and accept the day.  But often we avoid this by being too busy.  What happens to us when we get busy?  We relegate today to the "finished pile", and prepare to start tomorrow without the least regret that we have not taken time to be grateful for the present.  Yes, grateful!  For without the experiences of "today" it's hard to live tomorrow.  We need to ask ourselves, "What happened today that was good and I hope I experience again?  What happened today that I regret happened and hope to rectify?  Ddi I thank God heartily for the day?"

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Action

I know it's been suggested before that you just take time, be quiet, and spend time with God.  I can only suggest it again.  You have to be committed to this time.  What part of the day was good?  What part was a disappointment?  And it's important to place Providence in the midst of the day,  the ever present rudder that steers this vessel called life.  For as the apostles took time for quiet in the boat with Jesus, we also must take time to be in the boat as well.   And so be quiet!

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Thanks be to God!

Cathy