SATURDAY HOMILY FOR 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME / YEAR B
SATURDAY HOMILY FOR 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME / YEAR B
Gospel – Mark 6:30-34
THEME: Gimme A Break
BY: DEACON BILL FRERE
Desert Near the Dead Sea
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. Over the past 6 months, that plan went out the window and we now sit together in the morning, every morning, with our coffee and tea in hand, and wonder – what next! What’s happening today? What can we expect today? How much more exhausted can we get?
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And what have we learned? 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! What was once ‘one day at a time’ has become ‘one moment at a time’!
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, and assistance to those in need. Being a disciple is a 24/7 mission. God sets the hours! God reminds us daily – this is the day I have made; rejoice and be glad!
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