Jesus knows the importance of balance. There is a time to be set aside for quiet prayer and a time to be with others. This gospel passage brings so much hope because Jesus knows exactly what we need and is always with us. He knows and understands human suffering and yet he is a ray of hope.
This passage emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the true, divine shepherd, who will guide his sheep into the kingdom and heal us whenever we open our heart to His mercy.
Jesus needed some time to “Come Aside and Rest Awhile”. He even knew that his disciples needed a quiet place to recharge and yet, when he saw the crowd, he was moved with pity and compassion. He recognized His flock of lost sheep and “began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34).
We are all hungry. Hungry for spiritual food, the very word of God. So be filled with hope today. Call on the divine Savior, the Good Shepherd, for He will lead us all to the kingdom of heaven.
