When they return

Here is the text of the reflection I prepared for this week's gathering of God's people: some thoughts about the strength we draw from sharing the journey, and from having the joy of knowing Jesus.

We come to tell our story

Each week, we gather in this place.  We meet friends and family members, some of whom we have not seen all week long.  We take some time to get caught up: to exchange stories of the adventures we have lived throughout the intervening time, to describe decisions we have to make, perhaps even to ask for advice and guidance.  We do this with family and friends, and we do this with God.

In last week’s gospel passage, we heard that Jesus gathered his disciples and sent them out two by two.  Today, we hear the next chapter in the story.  After they had gone out and begun to tell others about Jesus, the Apostles returned from their mission.  They gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught (Mk 6:30).  This gathering of companions would have been not unlike our gathering here: a chance to get caught up, to exchange stories, to describe some of their joys and struggles, and an occasion for seeking advice and guidance.

Even today, we need to gather with Jesus, to participate in such exchanges: opportunities for us to come away to a deserted place with trusted friends, and to rest awhile (Mk 6:31).  For some of us, the deserted place is a cottage or some other oasis.  For others, it is found in travel to visit with friends and family in places near and far.  The important thing is that we know where our deserted place is – the place where we can be renewed, rejuvenated, where our souls can be refreshed, and where we can touch base with Jesus too.

If we don’t take the time to take care of ourselves - our need for physical, mental and spiritual re-energizing – we lose our focus.  Instead of having our eyes fixed on Jesus, they become fixed on ourselves.  Instead of being concerned with others, we become increasingly concerned only for ourselves, and our egos leave no room for the discipleship of service and love.  Eventually we become like the shepherds described in today’s first reading: those who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture (Jer 23:1).

Before it’s too late, let us ask for the grace to recognize the great gift that Jesus has already given us: we who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ; in his flesh, he has made us all one, and has broken down the walls of hostility between us (Eph 2:13-14).  Gathered around this table, we find the courage to tell our stories, to seek advice, to be refreshed and prepared to go out into the world so that we can share the joy of the gospel.