The Gift of Rest: A Reflection for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, we encounter the Apostles eagerly sharing with Jesus all that they accomplished in their first foray into ministry. As you recall, Jesus had sent them out two-by-two to teach, anoint the sick, and drive out demons. They are excited as they return to Him and share their stories about their experiences. (One can almost picture the apostles all clamoring for Jesus’ attention at the same time.)

Jesus responds to their enthusiasm by inviting them to “come to a deserted place and rest awhile.” Notice that Jesus does not say to them, “good job” or “you deserve a reward for your hard work.” No, His affirmation for their efforts is much more subtle. After all of their work, He invites them to slow down and rest. An out-of-the-way place affords them the opportunity to share their stories and then to pray, that is, to find rest with the Lord.

Notice too that our Lord does not scold the apostles for claiming that all their mighty deeds were of their own making – without reference to the Father or Jesus. They told Jesus “all that THEY had done.” But He is patient with them and knows that they will eventually come to realize that it is not by their own efforts that healings and conversions take place. They will come to know that the Lord uses them to bring the message of salvation to others, and He is the source of their ministry. This serves as a great reminder for all ministers in the Church.

One of the definitions of “awhile” is “a short time.” As the Gospel unfolds, we see that Jesus and the apostles only had a short time for rest. Their rest consists of crossing the sea to a deserted place. Why? Because the crowds are waiting for them when they disembark. Jesus has pity on them and teaches them.

This is another great lesson for His disciples and for us. So often we have only a brief respite from all of the service we are called to give to others. Every parent knows the cry of a sick child in the middle of the night who needs care or the colicky newborn who just can’t sleep. They know too well the need to care for a spouse or a parent with a terminal illness. These situations and many others do not afford a lot of time for prayer and rest. But parents and caregivers know the blessing of charity when someone offers their help. Even if all we can offer to others is but a brief time away from all the responsibilities of caring for the baby, the parent, or the spouse, it can be a time for them to rest and pray.

Rest and time for prayer are precious commodities for parents and caregivers of the sick and suffering. Can we cook a meal for them, offer to go grocery shopping, or cover for them so they can get to Mass this week? Do we need to support them with our prayers?

Finding that deserted place in our own hearts to encounter Christ is so important for the person who is serious about their relationship with the Lord. It is a practice which we need to make our own and a gift we can give to others. That time with the Lord can be 10 minutes or an hour depending on our responsibilities. Don’t underestimate the power that brief time affords us in meeting life’s responsibilities. Today, let us go with the Lord to an out-of-the-way place to rest in Him. Enjoy whatever time you can carve out for prayer because life’s demands are always present. Maybe there are those in your life who would appreciate the gift of time so they too can rest and pray.