Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 6:30-34

The greatest obstacle to wisdom is the assumption that one must always be doing something worthwhile. This seems to be Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel when he calls his disciples to an out-of-the-way-place for some time for themselves. Jesus seems to be speaking to the workaholic in each of us. Without time for ourselves and those we love, our families and the significant people in our lives could become “sheep without a shepherd,” families without parents, parents without children, friends without friends. In short, we could become people without people. We would do well to consider Jesus’ invitation to come away to an out-of-the-way place and take time for R, R, R and R – rest, relaxation, reflection and refreshment.