The Gospel according to Mark:

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.

Reflection

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.”

The rhythm of work and rest echoes from the story of Creation down to the Gospel today where Jesus directs His Apostles to rest after all they had done and taught.

This cycle of work and being teaches us to operate as God operates. It reminds us of our need to stop and be with God. Amidst the demands of modern life, may we learn to stop, listen and be with our Creator - for this is why He has created us.