Readings:
Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Mark 6:30-34
Reflection:
There are some good learnings from our readings – the importance of placing ourselves and our trust in Jesus. That in all we do to be attentive to sharing our resources and doing good works. What is fundamental is being ‘other’ focussed. There is a challenge in our accepting of leadership, but this leadership must be consistent with the good shepherd, not self-serving but giving example and support so we can all respond to our call with faith, hope and of course, charity.
The gospel from Mark Jesus provides us with a teaching moment with the living example of responding to a pastoral need. The important teaching from Jesus is that the disciples have been working, and they need rest. This is his suggestion, and as usual, Jesus’ method is to ‘withdraw to a lonely place’ just as was encouraged by Paul of the Cross.
However, as they undergo the process of withdrawing, the people follow and are there before him when Jesus arrives. What is his response? No, it’s not “It’s Monday, and I have my golf” or “This is my parish day off”
Rather, it is a pastoral response from compassion and not only does Jesus stop, but he teaches them at length. This demonstrates the God of Jesus, who, like himself, is generous. We know that prayer is important to Jesus as is withdrawing to a quiet. We have been told many times that Jesus is undertaking this time away. However, there must also be a place for our reservoir to be filled so that once again, we too can respond to others through our care and compassion.
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.