Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II (4)

Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II

Theme: Gimme A Break!
Shores of the Sea of Galilee

By: Deacon Bill Frere

Homily for Saturday February 5 2022

Saturday – St. Agatha
Gospel – Mark 6:30-34
Ginger and I have gotten into a bit of a routine over the past few years. We will usually sit down on Sunday evening and compare our calendars. It gives us a chance to see what meetings, services, funerals, baptisms, etc. are coming up. A year ago, it was also the only way to see if we had any weekday evenings home together to share a meal. Nowadays we just try to plan things around a mix of Zoom chats, in-person meetings and family errands; sometimes we even find some time for just the two of us!

And what have we learned? Nothing is set in stone, not staff meetings or snow days or Catholic Schools Week, not scripture study mornings or a simple dinner at home. All events are ‘possible’ but anything can come up at the last minute that will take precedence and singular attention. Be prepared to not be prepared! And take what time presents itself to catch our breath!

And that is what we hear in today’s Gospel. You can almost read between the lines. Jesus and the Apostles are exhausted. The Apostles have just returned from their missionary journeys and are eager to share their stories with Jesus. Jesus, in their absence, has continued to teach and preach and heal. Jesus recognizes their exhaustion and convinces them to go with Him to a desert place – to pray, refresh their souls and restore their physical energy.

But no such luck! The crowd follows them and Jesus, out of compassion, sees their need and begins again to preach to them. Aah, the best laid plans, eh?

That is a pointed reminder to all of us who call ourselves disciples! Take care of yourself – get rest when you can; recharge those spiritual batteries! But don’t plan too far ahead. Be prepared at a moment’s notice to offer prayers, consolation, assistance to those in need. Being a disciple is a 24/7 mission. God sets the hours! God reminds us daily – I have a better idea!

Deacon Bill Frere