In the reading we heard from the Gospel of Mark, the apostles have just come from ministering to people in the surrounding villages and towns who are feeling broken and desperate.  The apostles find Jesus to tell him ALL they have done and taught. They are so busy that they hardly have time to eat. After listening to their stories, Jesus says, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ Jesus recognizes that the disciples need to stop, pause, and recover; to simply be with him and each other. 

It’s Jesus’ message to us today, too – “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”