The Return of the Twelve

Today's Reflections

 

 

The Return of the Twelve 

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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.

THE APOSTLES GATHERED TOGETHER WITH JESUS. Jesus gathers around himself the apostles, who are his close associates and are to be the progenitors of the new People of God. Though worn and tired, the Twelve are most happy to be back in their significant circle of friends, now known to them as their new family.

The apostles regale Jesus with stories from their successful mission. Jesus is like a caring father eager to listen further to his children, so he invites them to be with him in a deserted place. He recognizes the apostles’ need for physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation and shields them from the onslaught of a crowd of kibitzers and favor-seekers.

They get into a boat that sails four miles towards Bethsaida. Seeing them leave, a huge crowd takes the journey of almost ten miles by walking on foot and even manages to reach Bethsaida ahead of Jesus’ group.

Once on the shore, Jesus is revealed as the Good Shepherd. He does not insist on their scheduled activity. He does not throw tantrums for the unexpected disturbance. Mark says that Jesus has compassion on the crowd because they are like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus not only sees sick and suffering people but also reads the confusion written over their faces and their hunger for the truth. Jesus begins to teach them many things.

Setting aside needed rest and relaxation,

Jesus teaches us to nurture a generous spirit.