Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

I recently joined a group of Alpha leaders on a retreat at Marian Valley, and I’ve been pondering what made this time together so sacred. As women and men in ministry, we can become so captivated by purpose and vision that we forget that we too need tending. There’s profound wisdom in the simple act of going away together, creating space for prayer, rest, and unhurried presence with one another.

The urgency of mission can at times quietly blind us to our need for connection, silence and renewal. In that lonely place, we found we weren’t lonely at all. As we shared our faith stories and life journeys, our struggles and hopes, as we laughed and rested together, something vital was being nurtured – the strength we’ll need for the season ahead. This kind of connection prepares us for the tender, demanding work of leading and shepherding others.

Mark’s Gospel points to this tension. Jesus sought solitude for himself and his disciples, yet the crowds found them. His heart was moved with compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. How many of us in ministry know this picture well? We recognise our need for rest, for replenishing our energy and love, while remaining tenderly aware of the mission that awaits our attention.

Here lies the grace: prayer can hold both realities. The contemplative prayer of our quiet places and the active prayer of our service aren’t opposites. They’re two movements of the same loving response to God. In rest, we receive. In action, we pour out. Both are prayer. Both are love.

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