In Mark 6:30-34, there are many things to ponder. I extracted seven small phrases and zeroed in on what they could reveal to me. Who am I in this gospel? Am I one of the apostles? Am I one of the thirsty and hungry seekers? Am I a compassionate Jesus? Am I all three at different times?
“…….done and taught”
“……..rest a while”
“……..solitary place”
“……..ahead of them”
“……..compassion”
“……..without a shepherd”
“………began to teach”
The Disciples have been out evangelizing. The road has been long and tiring. Jesus’ response to them was that they needed rest. Living for Christ is exhausting! There are so many things that can wear one out. Opposition from others. Trying to defend your point of view. Mockery. Being laughed at. Trying to be counter-cultural. The apostles would have experienced all of these things. Jesus, in his call to mission, was one who recognized that self-care was not only needed but necessary. For him, that meant entering into deep prayer and meditation about the plan he was to fulfill. As a mentor, he tells the twelve to take a break, find solitude and be ready to continue. However, there is also a flipside. This is found in those who seek more. They are thirsty and impatient to know more because they have had a taste of what Christ has to offer. In this case, the people will not leave Jesus and his evangelizers alone. They follow them, lost and wandering because they know that they are not ready to fly solo. Jesus, tired, yet filled with compassion, attends to their needs and feeds their hunger.
As any new parent knows, you try to find some solitude and rest to recharge when raising a newborn. However, the break comes to a quick end when the tiny, dependent baby needs changing, feeding, or simply wants to be held because he or she is afraid. New life begins by needing support from others to help with growth and security. Teachers know this as well. As exhausting and depleted an instructor may be at the end of the day, I have known few teachers who would not patiently take the time to assist a student who has not quite gotten a concept about something or wishes to know more.
Jesus is exactly like a parent or teacher. Having encounters with Christ IS like being born anew. There is always more to learn, to experience, to pray about and to offer others. It takes patience, personal care and compassion with self and others. When the Apostles rejoined together after being away preaching two by two, their unity together was very much like church where we all assemble bringing our own individual stories and experiences. We share and seek solace as one.
Not to be missed is the Psalm for this week. Psalm 23 is what I call the “refreshing” Psalm. I feel peace every time I read it. Try reading it yourself slowly and visualize the setting, sounds, and the touch it evokes in you.
Reflection:
As a Christian, do you ever require self-care? What methods do you use to feed your soul? What is your food for the journey? Does it help?
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
July 20, 2018