How appropriate it is that the topic of today’s summertime gospel is about the need for us to relax and renew ourselves. May we value our faith enough to make time daily to go “rest a while” to renew ourselves in the Lord. “…come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31)
Do you spend time listening to the Lord? Most of the time, He speaks in soft whispers. Open your heart , and hear the Lord. You can give of yourself generously when you trust the Lord will provide all that you need.
However, it is not always that easy to get a little rest and renewal is it? In today’s Gospel, Jesus had planned to slip away from the crowds for a few moments of peace and a little rest. When He saw the people gathered, however, He put His needs aside to meet the needs of others. Sometimes, as good stewards, we are called to do the same.
Let’s take a look at the other readings of the day. In the first reading, after King Solomon’s reign, the Israelites were divided into northern and southern kingdoms which were eventually conquered. The Israelites were then driven into exile. God spoke through his prophets telling the kingdom’s leaders that he would gather the people to himself and appoint new leaders to shepherd his flock. As Christian’s we understand Jesus to be that Shepherd. The responsorial psalm reminds us: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
Saint Paul recognizes that Jesus has destroyed the barriers dividing the old kingdoms of Israel and gathered the scattered people together. The Letter to the Ephesians reminds us that Christ is creating a new world order: one that brings about relationships based on love, peace, reconciliation, hope and unity
As a Eucharistic community, we are stewards of Christ’s new creation. How are we promoting peace and reconciliation? How are we showing love for our neighbors? What are we doing to encourage unity and understanding among those with whom we gather around the Lord’s Table each week? May we recognize Christ as our Shepherd and bring others to his flock.
My husband and I are fortunate to live in a wooded Longleaf pine preserve where we can take daily walks in the forest and down by the stream bed and experience God in the natural world. That quiet time makes it possible for us to stay centered, and to live and interact in our fast-paced 24/7 news cycle, noisy world.
ReplyDeleteThe background photo for your blog is lovely.
Where you live sounds so beautiful :-)
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