St. Mark tells us that Jesus had sent his disciples out to announce G_d’s kingdom, and to restore those encountered to health in mind and body. The Twelve returned to Jesus to tell him all that was done. After hearing their experiences, Jesus knew how draining their work had been, and suggested a retreat of rest and refreshment for the exhausted disciples and himself. Depending the translation used, the retreat was across the lake in a “desert place” or “lonely place,” but whatever the place, it was to be peaceful and private away from the seekers wanting more of the Word, the Comfort, the Compassion.

The chosen place of retreat, while it may not have provided any amenities like other ports, this day it was teaming with people seeking sanctuary from sin and affliction. News of the care offered by Jesus was not something which could be kept quiet, and now accounts were abroad that even his disciples were providing the same divine dignity around the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Likely any boat coming to shore anywhere, attracted a crowd seeking the Messiah or his followers.

Jesus in his compassion for Creation, forgetting his weariness, went ashore into this throng and began to teach. Though totally exhausted from their mission, the disciples went ashore to minister as well. After another long day, the Twelve came to Jesus and asked that he send the crowd away to get food. This place had nothing to provide for such a large group, but Jesus responded to the disciples, “You give them something to eat.”

Knowing that their work would continue soon, the twelve had only brought enough food for a short rest break from their mission, but their teacher was now expecting them to feed five thousand from a weekend picnic basket. Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups of a hundred or fifty. They were probably thinking “we will have fifty groups of people waiting on enough food intended to feed twelve tired missionaries.”

Jesus took what was available, gave thanks to G_d for providing it, and then extended the bounty to the disciples to distribute to the crowd. Jesus knew that feeding five thousand was not practical, but his love for those gathered suggested that their needs were greater, and with G_d, provision was possible. Jesus and the Twelve needed a break from the demands of the mission, but the needs of others pressed them into compassionate service with the resources available.

“Come away to a deserted place…and rest a while.” Jesus wants us to be practical in our lives, but there are times when we should allow our compassionate side to spontaneously dominate. Showing kindness to the person sacking groceries, when we are really in too big a rush to take the time; offering a couple of bottles of cold water to the guys on the trash truck in this Texas heat; awareness, that although our day may have been awful, giving our spouse or children a needed hug, as an escape from their yucky day. All around us people are seeking relief, seeking someone, or seeking some consideration that will help put things right, or at least, make things well, safe, better. What are our available resources, in a world of want and suffering? Jesus did not dismiss the needs of his sheep for his own needs, nor should we. The Lord is my shepherd, our shepherd.

Pax,
jbt