Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
There is a certain familiarity that comes across as we read the opening lines of the Gospel today. The apostles were returning from their first “mission trip” wanting to share stories, awesome experiences, fearful challenges, funny stories, and sad memories. And they simply needed to rest. It makes perfect sense that Jesus would want to arrange for that quiet respite off the beaten path.
An important point of today’s Gospel is that this scheduled rest didn’t materialize as planned. The people having gotten wind of the new destination and hungry for what Jesus had to offer were already waiting for him. So much for the best-laid plans!
Perhaps a good question arises about how we deal with our legitimate needs and the needs of others. There is an honest place and need for relaxation to restore our personal health and energy. Sometimes, however, a bigger picture emerges with its compelling demand for compassion and assistance and it can’t be put off. In the present situation described in the Gospel, we could hardly imagine Jesus and his team suddenly taking a detour to avoid the crowd waiting for them.
Perhaps it comes down to the question of adjusting priorities and the tested wisdom of compassion. Jesus was moved with pity when he saw the crowd and taught by example. He tended to the needs of the people because of the situation of the moment and adjusted His priorities. Is this not the lesson we need to follow while asking for the gift of wisdom?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections