Get To a Deserted Place and Rest

From today’s reading…

Two days ago we read about Jesus sending the Apostles out in pairs with nothing but the clothes on their backs to heal the sick, cast out demons, and spread the Word.

Now Jesus has them come back together to share their experiences and to rest.

They shared their experiences to build confidence in one another because they are still “spreading their wings” if you will. They have not yet received the Holy Spirit, so they still have their doubts as to their abilities, the true nature of Jesus as the Messiah, and their role in the new Church.

It’s both exciting and exhausting to try something new, which is why Jesus has them rest and recuperate. (He knows this is only the beginning for these men.)

Like the Apostles, we are more powerful than we know, as long as we follow the Will of God.

But doing battle with the devil is exhausting, which is why we need to set aside a day each week to rest, set aside at least an hour to together in community each Sunday for “mini-retreats” with the Lord, to support and be supported by our fellow believers, and to be nourished by both the Word of God and Jesus Himself in the Eucharist.

It’s a good idea to also participate in longer retreats when possible. Maybe a weekend, a long weekend, a week, or even a month.

Coming together like this helps you to remain centered, focused, and committed, which is the only way to…

Stay the course. Keep the faith. Endure.

Now go sell something.