Jesus’ words to the weary Apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while,” appear just before the miracle of feeding the 5000. Busy tending to the needs of others, “People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.”
What mother can’t relate to caretaking interfering with opportunities to eat? How many lunches have been consumed over the kitchen sink or consisted of cleaning off the remnants of their children’s plates before placing the dirty dishes in the dishwasher? An equal number of meals have been scarfed down at one’s desk while trying to tackle the day’s numerous deadlines and tasks at work.
Though engrossed in their mission, the Apostles knew Whom they served and heeded the Shepherd’s call to come, sit a while, and rest. The 5000 would soon arrive, also weary and worn, and Jesus’ “heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Are we like sheep without a Shepherd? Do we allow ourselves to be led by the one true Shepherd or our to-do list?
The feeding of the 5,000 prepared the disciples for the institution of the Eucharist—an anticipation of the glorious sacrament, which will ultimately feed more than 5000 men plus women and children. He would come to, and continues today, to feed millions of weary souls. Jesus provides nourishment for the body and the soul, continually feeding and teaching us many things.
How do we prepare to receive the Eucharist? How do we prepare our hearts and minds for the miraculous moment of Consecration each time we are at Mass? Do we find a time that morning, or throughout our week, to rest in and with the Lord? Do we approach this meal fully present, free from distractions, so we can focus solely on Jesus, who yearns to give you rest and assure Eternal rest in heaven? May we find a “deserted” place to rest a while with Jesus.
Las palabras de Jesús a los Apóstoles cansados, “Vengan conmigo a un lugar solitario, para que descansen un poco”, aparecen justo antes del milagro de alimentar a los 5000. Ocupados atendiendo las necesidades de los demás, “eran tantos los que iban y venían, que no les dejaban tiempo ni para comer.”
¿Qué madre no puede relacionarse con el cuidado que interfiere con las oportunidades para comer? ¿Cuántos almuerzos se han consumido sobre el lavadero de la cocina o han consistido en limpiar los restos de los platos de sus hijos antes de colocar los platos sucios en el lavaplatos? Un número igual de comidas se ha devorado en el escritorio mientras se intentaba cumplir con las numerosas fechas límites y tareas de un día de trabajo.
Aunque absortos en su misión, los Apóstoles sabían a quién servían y escucharon el llamado del Pastor de venir, sentarse un rato y descansar. Pronto llegarían los 5000, también cansados y desgastados, y él “se compadeció de ellos, porque andaban como ovejas sin pastor”. ¿Somos como ovejas sin pastor? ¿Nos dejamos guiar por el único Pastor verdadero o por nuestra lista de cosas por hacer?
La alimentación de los 5000 preparó a los discípulos para la institución de la Eucaristía, una anticipación del glorioso sacramento, que finalmente alimentará a más de 5000 hombres más mujeres y niños. Él vendría, y continúa hoy, para alimentar a millones de almas cansadas. Jesús provee alimento para el cuerpo y el alma, continuamente alimentándonos y enseñándonos muchas cosas.
¿Cómo nos preparamos para recibir la Eucaristía? ¿Cómo preparamos nuestros corazones y mentes para el momento milagroso de la Consagración cada vez que estamos en Misa? ¿Encontramos un tiempo por la mañana, o a lo largo de nuestra semana, para descansar con el Señor? ¿Nos acercamos a esta comida completamente presentes, libres de distracciones, para que podamos enfocarnos únicamente en Jesús, quien anhela darte descanso y asegurarte el descanso eterno en el cielo? Que encontremos un lugar “desierto” para descansar un rato con Jesús.
Allison Gingras ( www.ReconciledToYou.com ) — Shares her love of the Catholic Faith with stories, laughter, and honesty as experienced in the ordinary of life! Her writing includes Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press) and the Stay Connected Journals for Women (OSV). Allison is a Catholic Digital Media Specialist for Family Rosary, Catholic Mom, and the Fall River Diocese. She hosts A Seeking Heart podcast and is co-host of the Catholic Momcast podcast.Feature Image Credit: Fray David Carreño, cathopic.com/photo/12444-corpus
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Sheryl is happy to be the number 1 cheerleader and supporter for her husband, Tom who is a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. They are so grateful for the opportunity to grow together in this process. Sheryl’s day job is serving her community as the principal for St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland, Michigan. Since every time she thinks she gets life all figured out, she realizes just how far she has to go, St. Rita of Cascia is her go-to Saint for intercession and help. Home includes Carlyn, a very, very goofy Golden Retriever and Lucy, our not-so-little rescue puppy. 
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