Daily Gospel Reflection for July 21, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

A weekend alone in pure silence, my family playfully remarked, might be difficult for someone like me, who loves a good conversation. Yet, as the days drew nearer to my silent retreat, I was almost giddy with anticipation of this alone time with my heavenly Father. Though I knew the challenge of leaving so many things behind, I was also keenly aware of the noise and commotion I had become accustomed to. My life was blessed and full both with my work as a pastoral associate and at home. Here was an invitation to rest, so as to rightfully discern the sound of God’s voice and to attend to the work He had called me to do.

Earlier in this chapter in Mark, the disciples had received their Great Commission- baptizing, teaching, healing and casting out demons. News had spread so far and wide that even their time to eat a meal was limited. Certainly, the disciples were doing the work Jesus had sent them to do, but this was not the only thing that they needed to learn. We see that Jesus’ heart is not just moved “with pity” for the crowds but with compassion for those who sought to follow, serve, and build the Kingdom of God. For in order to continue spreading the Gospel, they also would need to recognize the necessity of physical and spiritual rest.

This lesson, however, would have to wait until another day as Jesus chose to minister to those who had followed them to their place of rest. Only He knew the disciples’ exhaustion and the need to gather strength and resolve. And only He truly understood the longing and hunger in the hearts of those awaiting the Good News. Therein lies the struggle and the joy in our lives as disciples.

Ponder:

Am I taking time to renew and reflect on how I spend my day? Do I make space for work and rest in my life?

Pray:

Jesus, I know that there is much in my life- some You have called me to do and other things to put aside for another day. Help me today to be attentive to Your voice and to listen for when I am to work and rest so that I live in Your will for my life.

Daily Gospel 4