July 19, 2009: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“If the apostles themselves were in need of retreat (rest)…, how much more are we in need of recollection (time to think and pray)".

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away 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. (Mark 6:30-32)

Rest a while! Jesus recognized our need to take a break. He did it himself and strongly encouraged his disciples to do so as well. We live in a very hectic society and we can easily get overwhelmed and tired from all the activities. Summertime is a good time to practice resting.

Action:

For Christians, Sunday is a day of rest. There are many ways to rest. Sleeping is one way for sure. But we can rest in other ways. What lifts your spirit? What makes you feel like a new person?
Think about the way or ways you find rest. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin said, “If the apostles themselves were in need of retreat [rest]…, how much more are we in need of recollection [time to think and pray]”.