July 18, 2021 Sixthteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 6:30-34 Our gospel for today is a continuation of last sunday’s gospel. The previous sunday we remember Jesus sent His disciples by pairs on a mission. Now, the mission was completed and the apostles reported to Jesus all that they have done. Jesus saw how tired they were and He invited them to rest awhile. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Friends, only the hard working individual had the right to relax. Learn to slow down. Never be a slave of your work. You need a day off! Learn to deactivate. Rest your mind and calm your heart. It is necessary to be replenished after a productive day at work. Offline is the new luxury. Today, Jesus is telling us to have a moment of “rest.” Everytime I visited a cemetery I often saw R.I.P letters engrave in a stone or at the cross. We know that R.I.P stands for “Rest in peace.” Right? The message of today’s gospel is inviting us to REST IF POSSIBLE (R.I.P) or else we will be RIPPED INTO PIECES. Friends when you are tired, change your atmosphere-go into solitude. Isolate and communicate with God- (R.I.P) REST IN PRAYER. Allow God to replenish your soul. He is our Good Shepherd. “In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” Conclusion: When you are tired the solution is not drugs. Come to Jesus. Alcohol cannot solve our weariness. Feed yourself in the Eucharist. When you are tired hedonistic pleasures are not the password. Go to Jesus. When you are exhausted shopping malls are not the right place to rest. Go in solitude and communicate with God. Friends, find your deserted place and rest for awhile. Blessings Fr. Jhack