Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34
The disciples return from their work and are excited by what they experienced. To help another be healed of their infirmities, liberated from their demons, and be nourished in body and soul is an exhilarating phenomenon, one that brings with it a whole set of temptations. We can easily get the idea that these results are our doing, that such outcomes are inevitable because we do them, that fame and notoriety lead us down dark paths of pride, desire for fame, wealth, power, and influence.
So, when the disciples return Jesus instructs them to go away to a secluded place and rest awhile, just as he himself has done so many times in his ministry. The purpose of such a retreat is not to rest on one's laurels or become complacent, but instead to use that time to become aware of our utter dependence on God and each other in this work, to develop a sense of gratitude and humility, and to pray for the grace to overcome these temptations of pride, wealth, and power.
In our own work of ministry of caring for others through deeds of mercy, it is necessary for us to continually seek out this time of rest in order to gain a proper perspective for our life and work - to be utterly dependent and grateful to God and others, to avoid the temptations to fame, wealth, and power, to be motivated solely by love for God and others.
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