Sixteenth Sunday Gospel B

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 

· He had sent them on mission two by two to prepare for and to share in his ministry. Do you see the importance of sharing with others what God has done through you?

He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 

· Jesus wanted to teach the disciples that they must have a balanced life: ministry (action) and prayer (contemplation).

· How much time do we take in our daily, weekly life for quality prayer time? We can’t always do it with a lot of people around.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 

· Do you have that “deserted place” in your life?

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 

· Sometimes people may not always understand our need for aloneness with God. How do we deal with that?

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 

· Do we sometimes become angry with people who seem to need so much of our time? Reflect on Jesus’ attitude.

· Notice Jesus ministered to the crowd, while allowing the disciples their space to recoup. What does that say to you?

· What does this passage say to you? What resolution will you make and hopefully follow up on?