Welcome!

This week Jesus calls us to come away and rest a while in a quiet place.

Mark 6:30-34
“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves… “

How do you respond to Jesus’ invitation in your life? It is often easier to remember our need for God whilst in a deserted place: the hustle and bustle of life usually sweeps us along and we forget what really matters. Taking time to go to a deserted place all you yourself and praying, even if it’s just a few minutes before you go to bed, reminds us that our lives and our actions should be for God.

“… Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”

Here, Jesus has to make a choice between his disciples and the crowd. His heart is stirred by the crowd’s desire to learn and he stays to teach them out of compassion.

Lord, grant me the grace that all my intentions, actions and choices be out of love and compassion, and be directed purely to the praise and service of your Divine Majesty.