The Return of the Twelve

Today's Reflections

The Return of the Twelve 

graceandspace.org

Mk 6:30-34

³⁰The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. ³¹He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. ³²So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. ³³People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

³⁴When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection:

Rest a while. Jesus shows himself in the Gospel to be very sensitive to the needs of his disciples and collaborators. Knowing how hard they have been working, and seeing that they need some respite from the people and from work, he tells them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People are not machines but human beings. Even a saw, if constantly used without respite, becomes a dull instrument. People must work, but they also need to rest and to enjoy the company of their loved ones and friends.

If you have people working under you or with you, make sure that you do not run them like machines.

People are fragile.

Handle with the greatest care.