A Few Words On "The Word"

July 23, 2006
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 6: 30-34

Took a Hike? Take a Break?

The smallest details matter the most in the Gospel of Mark, the shortest of the four gospels. Mark may not say much, but what he does say-even the things that seem unimportant-pack a punch stronger than Red Bull. Two by the two the apostles finish their amazing feats. All the things that Jesus does, they did. Just like he said. So what's the first thing they do when they finish their work? "They gathered around Jesus and told him all they had done and taught."

That car you drive won't get too far unless you eventually put some gas into it. (Or con your brother or sister or mom or dad into doing it.) We won't be very effective peacebuilders on our own. Not even in pairs or small groups. Unless. Unless. Unless we continually come back and gather around Jesus, telling him and each other all that we did and said.

Social activists and people who work in intense people-helping fields especially need to be careful not to burn out, not to work so hard and give so much that eventually they have nothing left to offer and try to run on empty. When Jesus took the apostles away for a while, he started a tradition we keep to this day: We call it "going on retreat." Keep that in mind as you grow in holiness and burst out into the world to do all the good you're capable of doing. Every so often, go on retreat.

You'll come back like some perpetually charged cell phone. No more dropped calls, especially the most important one: that call that comes not by cell phone, but mysteriously into our hearts from God.

BTW and FYI:

Groups of Catholics (and sometimes other Christians, too) maintain places called "retreat houses." These are places that for a small fee, you can stay, have some peace and quiet, pray with the people who live or work there, and even speak with someone trained in being a spiritual guide, called a "spiritual director." Check it out.

Reflection Question

Why is it important even now, in high school, to make sure that school, homework, extra-curricular activities (even the ones that help others), work and chores at home don't leave you without brief moments to rest and pray?

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