Rest

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 July 2021 

 

First Reading: JER 23:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: PS 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: EPH 2:13-18

Gospel: MK 6:30-34

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while". - Mark 6:31

This verse struck me the most in today's Gospel. I have been guilty of overworking for the past few days that I felt irritable and almost in a tantrum. And the verse reminded what I needed the most...rest.

But if you read the verse more closely, there are other keywords to describe the rest required. It says "by yourselves" which reads alone. "To a deserted place" which means away from the world's distractions - work, mobile phones, netflix.

Almost immediately, when rest is suggested, people will suggest going to an out of town trip, climb a mountain or take a swim elsewhere. I know because I would love to take that rest somewhere else given this pandemic. But reflecting on the passage today, deep in my heart I know it calls me to a different rest.

"When was the last time that you pray? That kind of prayer where you lose track of time, the kind of prayer that moves you to tears and lulls you to sleep..."

I heard this question in my mind and felt that tug in my heart. It's true. My prayers lately, if not hurried, is limited to the rosary or Divine Mercy. I needed to find my rest again in a deep prayer.

"Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." - Mark 1:35

Even Jesus, our Lord, took time to pray. I should, too.

Prayer

 

Father, I was too caught up with this world that I forget to rest and pray. Forgive me. Teach me how to pray as Jesus did that I may fully recover and find rest in You. Amen.