First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
Jesus tells his disciples in today’s gospel: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” This “rest” that Jesus speaks about is more than sitting down and relaxing for a few minutes. This “rest” means that we are conscience of being children of God and made in God’s image and likeness…it is raising our thoughts and heart to God…giving him praise, thanksgiving and adoration, in these moments of “rest”, and through the course of the moment to moment living of our life.
We read in the Book of Revelation (14:13): “I heard a voice from heaven say to me: “Write this down. Happy now are the dead who die in the Lord!” The Spirit added, “Yes, they shall find rest from their labors, for their good works accompany them.” Our ultimate “rest” is eternal rest with the Holy Trinity in heaven, in their loving embrace for all eternity. This is the “rest” that we long for. In 1Cor2:9, St. Paul writes: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him.”
In today’s Psalm (23): “…in verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.”
Perhaps you have heard or even used the expression: “resting in the Lord”. This means being in quiet communion with our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, leading us into eternal life, every minute of our life! The relationship we have with Jesus Christ is the most important relationship in our life. All other relationships flow from our relationship with Jesus. The deeper and closer our relationship with Jesus, the more peaceful, compassionate and generous we are…which are essential ingredients for any loving relationship. Simply stated: Jesus is #1 in our life!
“Resting in the Lord” must be a priority and important, otherwise something or someone will consume the time. Each of us, if we have not done so already, must find what works best…perhaps it’s 10 minutes in the morning, before the family rises or 10 minutes of your lunch hour, or time in Perpetual Adoration Chapel or church…the possibilities are numerous…just like we make time for those we love the most – so must we do the same with our Lord Jesus Christ…and we will continue to become a new creation in Christ each day of our life!
May God bless us all always! Deacon Mike