Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on biblegateway.com
Verse 53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat.
Verse 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him,
Verse 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
Verse 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Devotion
Two familiar and remarkable stories are told in the verses omitted in today’s reading: The Feeding the Five Thousand and Jesus Walking on Water. This seemed odd to me, but I think the intentional jump allows us to continue with our emphasis on gathering the people of God. First the disciples gather around Jesus, reporting what they had accomplished when they were “sent out” in mission by Jesus. When they return, Jesus, recognizing their exhaustion, gathers them to retreat to a deserted place to rest. Gathering is important. Sharing is important, whether it be reporting or resting. The great crowds who follow and gather to hear Jesus illustrates what is important to do when gathered—show compassion to those who seem to have lost their shepherd and teach them (verse 34). Jesus exemplifies when to rest and when to seize the moment and return to the crowds. Just so, we are taught along with the disciples and the crowds.
Prayer
God of gathering and rest, help us to know when and where to gather. When we are tired, provide us with energy to respond to the needs that present themselves. Amen.