In today’s Gospel, the Twelve returned from their journeys. They reported to Jesus, “all they had done and taught.” News of the Twelve and their healings had traveled far and wide. Upon returning home, people remained eager to visit with them. Jesus welcomed his disciples back but knew they needed rest. He invited them to join him for respite. They departed by boat, headed for a deserted place.

But the people learned where Jesus planned to bring his disciples. “They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.”

When Jesus and his disciples arrived, the crowds were vast. Jesus was “moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” The actions Jesus takes throughout this Gospel offer an important reminder to take care of ourselves—to grant ourselves the opportunity to rest. Even with the crowds gathered, he did not ask the disciples to teach. Instead, he did.

As these summer days breeze by, we hope you too can find moments to enjoy the season with rest. The demands and responsibilities of life will remain—but you will return to them refreshed, recuperated, and recommitted.