Psalms 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; 2 Samuel 3:6-21; Acts 16:6-13; Mark 6:30-46Jesus' apostles are excited when they return to Jesus today, but Jesus also recognizes that they are exhausted. He instructs them to get some rest with him, but alas that is not meant to be as their attempt to find a quiet place turns into a dinner feast for five thousand. Following that feat Jesus sends his disciples away, dismissed the crowd and went in search of a secluded mountain top to rest and pray.
Even with exhaustion haunting them, these folks still cared for those seeking that care. We have Jesus introducing the four-fold action of the Eucharist today (taking, blessing, breaking and giving) despite his exhaustion. We are amazing beings, capable of remarkable things, but there is also an absolute need for self-care: a need to find some time to refresh ourselves so that we can do the work we are called to do as followers of Christ. And there is an absolute need that we remember to pray, for that helps with our refreshment, with our rest, with our being centered and balanced and ready.
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Copyright 2009, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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