Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. (Mk. 6:30-34)

The disciples have returned from an arduous missionary trip excited to share the news of the experience.  Jesus knows they need a break, an opportunity to reflect on what had happened and to prepare for what was to come.  In the same way, we need moments when we accept God’s invitation to spend time in prayer each day or on retreats where we can receive rest for our souls, time to listen to the promptings of our Lord and strength to undertake the next stretch of the journey. Yet, as we have all experienced, the needs of family, friends, and/or the ministry in general require our attention. This was the experience of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus saw they were “like sheep without a shepherd” and chose to teach and later to feed them. It is the age-old balancing act of leaving God for God.