Word to the Wise
Sunday, July 19, 2015 - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
[Jer 23:1-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34]"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile." [Mark]
"Privacy" is a cherished right in our society. American individualism is noted around the world! Privacy is a major challenge on the internet and has been in the news a lot because of government agencies monitering internet communications. Our notion of privacy, however, did not exist (and still does not exist much) in the Middle East where Jesus lived and preached. He rarely went to large cities but stayed in villages where everyone knew everyone. His spreading fame made it difficult to find any relief for himself or his expanding group of disciples who were beginning to preach as well. There is an almost comical element in today's gospel. Jesus and his disciples try to "get away from it all" only to find that when they "get away," the "it all" finds them. I think most of us can identify with that experience at some time. Cherished or not, private reflection and time away have become more and more difficult in our "globalized" world.
For those in full time active ministry, especially priests, deacons and religious, the demands of the apostolate seem endless. I give retreats for these folks and have heard their stories. "Burn out" is a common problem. Yet, they see the "vast crowd" that Jesus saw and want to shepherd them. The annual "retreat" may be the only relief for these full time servants. What I have to say to them is that they have only one body/spirit and that is the instrument by which they serve. It makes sense to take care of this instrument and not to destroy it. Parishioners can do a great service by insisting their pastor take a day off, take a vacation and make the annual retreat. The result should be greater energy for the apostolate. Jeremiah today warns all shepherds about low quality service. Jesus could see the toll that can be taken by the ministry. The vast crowd will always be there. If a shepherd is to serve, he or she will need to be in good shape! AMEN
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