SOLITUDE and SERVICE
Prior to today’s gospel, much has happened! Jesus had sent out his twelve apostles to preach repentance, to cast out Satan and to cure the sick. They were cautioned to go in the firm belief in God’s providence and protection. Their task was challenging but not impossible. They now return to Jesus eager to share their stories and experiences. On the flip side, John the Baptist had been beheaded at a birthday celebration that went horribly wrong. A drunken King Herod, a revengeful Herodias and a dancing daughter’s request silences the voice that cried out in the wilderness. There was much to be debriefed. Joy and sadness, success and loss are two sides of the same coin. Jesus knows what is needed now. He says, “Come away to a lonely place all by yourself and rest a while.”
Solitude and Silence are two precious gifts they needed to embrace. Silence unites, noise fragments. Silence calms, noise agitates, Silence purifies, noise contaminates. Solitude helps one to realign priorities, to take an honest look at oneself and to discover the power within. The Apostles had to learn from Jesus that ‘Contemplation’ empowers ‘Mission’. Mission without ‘Contemplation’ is just a social enterprise. The Apostles were not called to be mere ‘philanthropists’. They were first called to be ‘WITH JESUS’ and to grow to be like the Master.
Once the Apostles are firm in ‘contemplation’ they become Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. Mission becomes meaningful and fruitful. Miracles are waiting to happen. Solitude, Silence and Contemplation now leads to unlimited service. Fishermen have now been transformed into ‘fishers of people’. Contemplation leads to compassion and Solitude leads one to service. The crowds now have ‘shepherds’ after the heart of Jesus.
The gospel of today challenges us to find a ‘place of solitude with Jesus’ in our busy schedule of everyday. “Come to me all you that labour and are over-burdened and I will give you rest for your souls,” is the invitation of Jesus to our tired and restless lives. Resting with Jesus is not a passive activity. It empowers us to proactive service and mission. Resting with Jesus not only saves you from burnout but renews you for effective mission and service in God’s Kingdom.
Fr Glenford Lowe
