REST IS MUST. Mk 6:30-34

SPIRITUAL CAPSULE 21 JULY REST IS MUST 2024 Jer 23:1-6| Eph 2:13-18 Mk 6:30-34 In today's Gospel reading, we hear the first apostles returning from their first mission trip and telling Jesus all they had done. They were ready to do more, to build on their success. But Jesus responded to their enthusiasm with an invitation to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." Jesus' call to rest encompasses both spiritual and physical rest. The disciples had been deeply involved in ministry work, and Jesus recognised their need to recharge. Jesus Himself sought this kind of rest. After performing healings and exorcisms, He went to a deserted place to pray and find rest for His soul. This emphasises the importance of spiritual rest spending time in prayer, worship, and communion with God. Just as lack of sleep makes our bodies vulnerable to illness, neglecting spiritual rest can make our souls vulnerable. We may become frustrated, burned out, and lose sight of our purpose, forgetting to rely on God and mistakenly believing that our efforts are solely our own rather than acts of divine service. Alongside spiritual rest, physical rest is equally important. Physical rest goes beyond sleep and includes activities that rejuvenate our bodies and minds. Our bodies are interconnected with our emotions; therefore, engaging in restful activities such as spending quality time with family, enjoying nature, or taking a break from our routine can provide the necessary physical rest. Today, let's embrace Jesus' call to find both spiritual and physical rest. Let us prioritise time for prayer, reflection, and family, ensuring that our souls and bodies are nourished and our spirits renewed.