Mk 6: 30-34
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Rest awhile
For many of us, it feels like the past eleven months have been a marathon, and one where we still cannot see the finish line. Between balancing new work routines, managing childcare or remote learning, worrying about our own health or that of our loved ones, and responding to the social and political unrest around us, we are exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, we are yearning for some peace, and some comfort.
Jesus offers us exactly that. When the disciples return from their ministry in the surrounding villages, the first thing Jesus offers is an opportunity for rest. He takes the joys and struggles of their experiences on himself, and responds to their needs. Imagine sitting quietly with Jesus before you; imagine Jesus looking into your eyes and saying: “Come and rest awhile; there is nothing here that you and I cannot manage together.”
—The Jesuit Prayer team
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold I freely give
the living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus and I drank of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.
—Verses of I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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