“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31 (Sunday’s Gospel) These are appealing words spoken by Jesus many times in the Gospels. However, in this instance of Mark’s Gospel we know that what Jesus desired and hoped for didn’t happen. Due to the pressure and the of the crowds following him and the disciples, his plans changed. Jesus recognized the needs of the people and responded with compassion. And, in this Gospel reference, there is no mention of getting rest for himself or the disciples following this encounter with the people! However, it didn’t prevent him from taking advantage of other opportunities. Jesus seemingly treats time away from the usual as a necessity, often venturing alone to deserted places taking the time to pray, rest and enjoy life. I can imagine him alone in communion with God, or with some of his disciples taking walks in the cool of the day, fishing, cooking, napping and engaging in whatever life enhancing activity of the day that appealed to him.
Summer holds promise for each of us for needed time of rest, relaxation and ‘catching up with oneself.’ The word vacation comes from Latin “meaning leisure, freedom.” The word freedom in this definition is curious. One wonders how many of us are chained to our work? Today, in our busy, overworked and technology driven society there exists plenty of reasons why it is important to take advantage of time away from our usual activities. Whether it be a vacation or a “staycation” it is right and good to catch up with relationships with God, oneself, our loved ones and enjoy and appreciate our precious life and the beauty that surrounds us. Isn’t this one more important instance in which we ought to imitate Jesus’ loving actions? Why wouldn’t we follow Jesus’ example?