UCA News
Contribute

“Come Away To A Desert Place“

“Come Away To A Desert Place“
Published: February 08, 2013 05:00 PM GMT
Updated: January 27, 2013 09:47 PM GMT

This passage from Mark indicates a sort of transition in Jesus’s ministry. Jesus has sent his disciples out on mission in Galilee and is happy with their reactions when they return. At the same time, they receive news of the murder of John the Baptist at the behest of King Herod. Jesus cannot but be saddened at this tragedy.

 

So he invites his disciples to withdraw a bit from the pressures of the crowds to a lonely place where they can be alone by themselves. They need to understand what is happening, what their mission implies. They need to trust God more and rely on Him above all.

 

Jesus would often retire by himself, giving himself into deep communion with God his Father. Often this would be at night, for his days were filled with activities of all kinds. In inviting his disciples to share his solitude, he also reveals to them what the source of their own energy should be – the intimacy of prayer.

 

The crowds would rarely let the disciples enjoy this solitude for any length of time. Come daybreak, there would be multitudes once again, jostling for attention, importuning Jesus for cures, challenging him with their questions. Mark has a telling comparison: “they were like sheep without a shepherd,” he says, a situation which drew forth the compassion of the Master’s heart.

 

As a shepherd, Jesus wants to guide them and protect them. He had much to teach them. But he also knew that they were indeed like sheep – timid, foolish and stubborn by turns, always sticking together unthinkingly, and drifting away from the fold. “I know mine, and mine know me,” Jesus said. And again, “the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia