Summer time is a good opportunity to relax, to rest, and be renewed. It’s a break from the daily routines of life. In our Gospel, the Apostles came back from their mission and reported to Jesus what they had done and taught. Time to go away to a deserted place and rest a while. The crowds of people followed them. When our Lord saw them His heart was moved with pity, for they appeared to be sheep without a shepherd.
Mark says, “He began to teach them many things.” Mark does not tell us what the many things were. We do know the lesson he taught the twelve. He taught them what their priorities should be. Tired and hungry, they hoped to get some rest away from the townsfolk. Some of them may have just visited when Jesus sent them out two by two. But their plans were changed in an instant, for Jesus’ heart was moved in concern for them. Compassion caused them to turn their attention away from themselves and their needs for food and rest so they could attend to strangers in need of healing and guidance.
As members of the Lord’s flock, we can turn to our Loving Shepherd with our own needs. May our compassion for others push aside our own needs, and put others’ needs first more often. A lesson well learned from our Lord, our Redeemer, and our Shepherd.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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