Christ Jesus, help me turn to you to rest a while...

 
Mark 6:30-34
                                         
Returning from their mission trip, the twelve disciples of Jesus were full of all kind of stories about what they had done and, no doubt, who they had encountered.  Recognizing their need to debrief and rest, Jesus suggested they go across the lake for a mini retreat together. I can imagine the excited joy and chatter of the disciples and the grounding tones of Jesus’ own teachings around and through their experiences as they rowed a somewhat crowded boat to the beautiful hill country on the other side of the Lake of Galilee.  No doubt this time alone in the boat was a time of great bonding and refreshment even though that was the only time of retreat the band of friends had together that day – a crowd of people hungry for healing met them on the other side of the lake as they pulled their boat ashore. When in my busy life is Jesus calling me to come away with him into a ‘boat’ for a chance to rest awhile in his presence? Will I keep to myself and stew over people, plans and the particulars of life, or will I take time for a mini retreat to debrief and refresh with Jesus?  Christ Jesus, help me turn to you to rest a while. 
                                                                              
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statures.  (Psalm 119:12)
 
Look upon yourself as a tree planted beside the water; which bears its fruit in due season; the more it is shaken by the wind, the deeper it strikes its roots into the ground. 
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei