Thoughts on...
July 19, 2009: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
New Testament Lesson: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Busy work and interruptions. What is our mission, our focus? What needs to be done? We can get busy doing a lot of things; doing programs that are unfocused and unintentional, being interrupted by every little piece of paper and phone call. Without quiet reflection, we just keep filling our time while running ourselves and the church down.

Our Scripture places the quiet time and need for rest and reflection next to a call for compassion. Compassion means action. It has been said, "you cannot be compassionate without doing something to help another." Jesus shows us what compassion looks like in Mark 6. Jesus knows what the people need. Reading in between Mark 6:34 and 53, sometimes the people need teaching, at other times it is simply the need for food, and often the people need healing. All three are a part of Jesus' ministry everyday, it is the focus of his ministry.

Rest and reflection informs our compassion and doing. Rest and reflection clears our minds to see what the people need and to respond with compassion. It prepares us for the work that God can do through us. Take time out to refocus, to gather energy and to listen to the still small voice of God that calls us to do.