A Catholic Meditation on the Gospel

In today’s Gospel, we learn about the return of the 12 disciples, who were sent on a mission to preach repentance, heal the sick, and drive out demons. When they return to Jesus, he invites them to come away from the crowds and rest. But the crowds will not give them peace. As crowds continue to approach them, Mark reports that the disciples don’t even have time to eat. In an effort to get away, Jesus and his disciples board a boat in hopes of finding a deserted place. But the crowds notice and arrive ahead of them. It may surprise us to consider that even Jesus had a hard time finding a quiet place to be alone!

A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.—Ezekial 36: 26

Pope Francis reminds us that moments of silence are necessary “to allow our hearts to beat once more in tune with the vibrant heart of Jesus.” To rekindle our hearts, Pope Francis advises us to pause, see, and return.

“Pause a little, leave behind the unrest and commotion that fill the soul with bitter feelings which never get us anywhere.  Pause from this compulsion to a fast-paced life that scatters, divides and ultimately destroys time with family, friends, children, grandparents, and God.

Pause for a little while, refrain from haughty looks, from fleeting and pejorative comments that arise from forgetting tenderness, compassion and reverence for the encounter with others, particularly those who are vulnerable, hurt, and even immersed in sin and error.

Pause for a little while, refrain from the deafening noise that weakens and confuses our hearing, that makes us forget the fruitful and creative power of silence.

See the faces of our sick people and the many who take care of them; faces which in their vulnerability and service remind us that the value of each person can never be reduced to a question of calculation or utility. 

Return without fear, for this is the favorable time to come home, to the home of my Father and your Father (John 20:17).  It is the time for allowing one’s heart to be touched.

Pause in order to look and contemplate!”

—Pope Francis

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by “noise” of daily life. Our mission to deliver medicine, healthcare, and love to women and children living in extreme poverty can leave our CMMB family feeling tired and overwhelmed, just like the disciples. In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus affirm the importance of times of rest and renewal. In the coming days, let’s remember to “schedule” some quiet time alone, to reflect on our mission and experience the healing and renewing tenderness of God.

Today’s reflection was adapted from and inspired by the Loyola Press Sunday Connection.