Holy Rest

 

 In last Sunday’s gospel, we find Jesus at the end of a very long day.

It began in the morning at Sabbath services in the synagogue. Jesus got up to speak and everyone was mesmerized by the authority of His teaching. With nothing but a word, He drove out demons from those in attendance. All those who witnessed the authority of His teaching and His power over demons could not help but be amazed. In little time, the word spread all over Capernaum about the wonderworker from Nazareth.

 Today’s gospel picks up the story. After the synagogue services are over, Peter invites Jesus over to his home. Before He even has a chance to sit down and rest, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law.

The rest of the evening, people from all over town are bringing the sick and the possessed to Jesus in hopes that He would cure them. So many people came, in fact, that they did not all fit in the house.

 As we read, it is not until very early the next morning that Jesus can break away for some quiet time in a deserted place. But even then His disciples are seeking Him out. The Greek word that Saint Mark uses that is translated as “pursued him” is very strong, the same word that might be used for hounds chasing down a rabbit. Jesus is in demand because of His power to heal but His desire is to preach the good news of His Father’s Kingdom as He says, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”

Many of us here today can relate to the hectic pace of Jesus’ life. Whether it is family responsibilities, the demands of our jobs or schoolwork, many of us barely have time to sit down and take a breath. Mothers of young children especially can relate to the disciples seeking out Jesus even when He was trying to get away for some quiet prayer time. How often do your children burst in on you even when you are just trying to go to the bathroom!

 The dizzying pace of modern life makes it imperative that we follow Jesus’ example of finding a quiet, deserted place where we can be alone with God. Psychologists even recognize how important quiet time is for our sanity. Just a few minutes of quiet can alleviate stress and anxiety throughout the day. When we welcome God into that quiet time through prayerful meditation, the benefits are even more profound. Not only are we less stressed and anxious but we experience joy and become empowered to do every sort of good work. 

As Job says in today’s first reading, life can be a drudgery filled with pain and restlessness. However, if we spend some quiet time with God everyday calling to mind His presence, reflecting on His love and filling our mind with His wisdom, we can experience profound and abiding joy in the midst of our struggles. Not only that, we can bring God’s love into those difficult situations and transform them into opportunities to show Jesus’ love to others. Rather than having our day dictated by the pace of events around us, we will be guided by the movement of God within us. And that will make all the difference