In this weekend’s gospel, Mark chapter 6, versus 30-34, we hear of a difficult and very active missionary trip which the apostles just completed and are told that “they were so busy they didn't even have time to eat.” Later on in this same gospel Jesus invites His apostles to spend some time alone--to refresh themselves, to take a little time off to refresh and Regroup.

This gospel is perfectly timed as we ourselves might be now contemplating some time away with family and friends to refresh or regroup our own lives. We are refreshed and renewed indifferent ways: dinners at the beach, hikes at higher elevations away from cell phone signals, fishing trips on a large lake or along the river bank; escaping from today’s world in a great book or by being thrilled “to death” by the height and speed of a rollercoaster? Yet, Biblical tradition teaches us that the Bible actually uses the location of the desert as a place of refreshment and renewal. Whatever the destination, renewal and refreshment is necessary in order to begin something anew--a work project or a spiritual journey.

In today’s gospel Jesus invites His apostles to the desert for time alone yet the crowds follow and no rest is found. Jesus’ heart is moved with pity and He tends His sheep. Let us too realize that Jesus is always here for us and tends to us, even if we don’t ask or seek Him. In the next few weeks we will turn to chapter six (6) of John’s Gospel, and in these readings He offers us a “liturgical vacation” to lead us into a deeper understanding of the Eucharist--the most vital place in which to find refreshment and renewal.

Perhaps this is a good time to take a spiritual journey deeper into our Catholic understanding of the Eucharistic meal and what it means for our lives on earth and our salvation in the life to come--what it really and truly means to each of us.

Anytime we go on a journey preparation is needed. Let us use this weekend to “rest up” and
prepare ourselves to understand more fully the Mass and the Eucharist--two amazing gifts for God given by God for our benefit, to prepare ourselves wisely for our journey in faith.
Does the Mass sometimes seem like just a re-petitive ritual? Is the Eucharist meal something we do week after week, with little meaning--just ticking it off a “To Do” list? Over the next three weeks or so, lets listen closely to John’s Gospel--and truly be refreshed in faith.