SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
This Sunday’s Gospel presents us with an account of the return of the Apostles (cfr Mk 6:30-34). The African Bible describes this pericope as the Return of the Twelve Itinerants, who were sent on a mission by Christ to proclaim conversion, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Upon their return, Jesus invites them to “come away by yourselves [away from the crowds] to a deserted place and rest a while” (cfr. Mk 6:31). However, the people did not give them rest; they continued to disturb them, seeking healing. The sacred author recounts that the Apostles did not even have time to eat (cfr. Mk 6:31). “So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place” (cfr. Mk 6:32). Notwithstanding, the crowds – observing this – went ahead of them and arrived at the place before them (cfr. Mk 6:33). The persistence of the crowds made it difficult for Jesus and his disciples to find a peaceful rest. Because of their persistence, the sacred text notes, Jesus’ “heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd,” and he began to teach them (cfr. Mk 6:34). This is how today’s Gospel concludes.
If we were to read the following verses, we would note that Jesus commands his disciples to make a plan that these persistent crowds, who are hungry for his preaching, can have something to eat. This brings us to the well-known account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (cfr. Mk 6:35-44), where – after the blessing of the loaves and fishes – the disciples had to feed the multitudes.
It is evident that Jesus and his disciples worked all day and night; they worked tirelessly to evangelise and also take care of the physical nourishment of the people they served.
The Gospel refers to the twelve disciples as ‘apostles.’ This designation comes from a Greek word, meaning ‘one who is sent.’ Jesus selected twelve men, known as the Twelve Apostles. Their mission was to perpetuate Christ’s preaching of the kingdom of God, in words and in deeds. This mission was expressed in their apostolic activities, fundamentally in the form of preaching and healing.
In the contemporary world, who are the ‘apostles’ of Jesus? All of us, the baptised. By virtue of our baptism, we have been called and chosen by Christ to participate in his mission of evangelisation. Therefore, we are a new generation of the apostles, that is, those sent to preach the kingdom of God with our concrete deeds.
Beloved, sometimes our dedication and participation in apostolic activities leave us feeling worn out and overburdened. Let us learn from this Sunday’s Gospel: Jesus supports the idea of taking a rest so that we may be renewed. The Lord encouraged his disciples to go on retreat, as it were – to take some time out and rest so that they may get spiritual and physical nourishment to keep doing the Lord’s work. Let us take Christ’s advice!