[Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 22; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34]

Today we hear in the Gospel about the return of the apostles from the mission we heard about last week; when they were sent out with no possessions to preach, teach and heal. Jesus recognised that they needed to rest and reflect following this mission, so He took them off to a secluded place to recharge their batteries. However, as we also heard, the people guessed where they were going and were waiting for them as they came ashore. Jesus took pity on them stating that they were like sheep without a shepherd.

There are times when we feel spent; and if we are sensible; when we recognise that we really need to stop and look after ourselves. I am sure many teachers and other school staff members are in that position today. Jesus knows that we get tired. In the apostles he recognised that they were so animated and focussed on His mission, that they had neglected to look after themselves. It is impossible for us to look after people if we do not look after ourselves. Remember Jesus said “love your neighbour as yourself” [Mark 12:31].  Most of us can recognise when we become physically tired and need to recharge, but how many of us are able to recognise when we become spiritually tired. Recharging ourselves spiritually is essential for our journey in faith. Bishop Philip encourages all of the clergy to have an annual retreat; a time to find some quiet away from the busyness of the day and to find peace. In other words, encouraging them to look after themselves, so that they can look after the people they serve.

As Catholics, we should all look for a similar time. Not just a holiday, but a time to look at our faith, a place which can re-energise us spiritually. There are many places out there. When we hear Jesus say those words “You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while” how do we respond?

For me, I will be going to Medjugorje later this year, I have been there once before, and I loved it. It is a really peaceful place despite it no longer being a ‘lonely’ place [like Jesus was looking for in the Gospel], there are still plenty of places where I can either sit in silence or walk along; finding a deep sense of peace. I am really looking forward to returning there.

In his letter to the Ephesians, we hear St Paul reminding us today, that through His death and resurrection Christ has brought peace to the relationship between the Jews and the Gentiles. Through His resurrection Jesus has brought peace to those who were close to Him and to those who were far away from Him, this peace we share is the one Spirit which brings us to the Father.

It would be wonderful if we could experience that same peace in the world today. In the land where Jesus walked there is destruction on a biblical scale. The politicians and the media try to justify their actions, but is there anyone advocating for peace and an end to the killings at this time? The politicians drown out the sound of the protestors by the noise of their weapons as they inflict more pain and suffering on their enemies; with families seeking refuge, being attacked and slaughtered. For these families there are no quiet places to go to; their choice seems to be between being killed by terrorists who live among them, or by a neighbouring government. At the same time politicians look for photo opportunities with visiting dignitaries or while writing a message on a bomb. With every killing, another family swears revenge and the cycle continues.

The world is crying out for something which can unite us in the same way as St Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians. How we need for these barriers to be broken down, the hostilities to end and for the tears to stop. As Christians we can pray for an end to the bloodshed, for the enemies to see each other as humans with families and loved ones, for the leaders to seek a lasting peace which respects the rights of every person.

I pray for those who work to promote peace. For those who highlight the wrongs committed by either side. I pray for the journalists to be able to report accurately and not just report what their employer wants us to hear or read. I pray for recognition that the victims of war are all equal, that it doesn’t matter which race or colour or religion or nationality that person was; they were all made by God and they will all have had families who loved them. I pray for peace in this world, the World which He created.

Further Reading

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CCC 2302-2306: Christ our peace
CCC 2437-2442: witnesses and workers for peace and justice

Please keep in your prayers this week

  • The sick and housebound, those who are dying and those who are grieving.
  • Father Jean-Patrice that he makes a full recovery.
  • Stephen Patterson and Zacharius Parambi as they prepare for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate next Saturday.
  • All the staff and pupils of our schools that they have a safe and healthy break over the summer holidays.
  • Parents who need to find useful things to occupy their children during the holidays.
  • The children who are normally on free school meals, that their parents are able to cope with the additional demands that times away from school bring and that they can access the help which is available to them.
  • Peace in the world.

Deacon Tony 20th July 2024