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When we hear the reading from the Gospel of Mark, we recognize that Jesus is acting like a shepherd when his twelve apostles return from their first mission, no doubt exhausted, and he invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest. Shepherds do that with their flock.

With the ever-increasing pace of life, family and friends, business associates and community groups ask more and more of our time. This is especially true if we have talents or treasures these groups desire. It seems the more we have to offer, them more people want from us.

The time soon comes to get away, to refresh the body and soul. As with us, so too did the apostles need a quiet time and place to renew their spirits and their relationship with Jesus.

Just like his followers, we, too, are invited to find a quiet place to spend time with the Lord.  Twenty minutes or so every morning, resting in God’s presence, in silence and stillness, lingering in His love brightens the soul.
 

• Lingering to savor that first sip of hot coffee gives joy.
• Lingering by the window, looking upward and outward gives hope.
• Lingering and watching the birds gives delight.
• Lingering with a good book gives wisdom.
• Lingering in the moment just before worship begins brings gratitude to be able to praise God together as the body of Christ.
• Lingering just before sleep and counting the day’s blessings fills us with gratitude.
• Lingering while drifting off to sleep, resting in God once again, brings peace.
• Escape and relax. Don't those words sound inviting? Prayer is an encounter with the Lord. What better partner can we have to share times of pause, places of refreshment.  Choose lingering over languishing
  
  
  Reflection Questions
• Adults: What do you do to rest so that you can return to work refreshed?
• Kids: When will you take time to stop and pray this week?

HOMILY SERIES...

FROM LANGUISHING TO FLOURISHING

When you flourish God can use you in his plan to redeem the world. You live with a sense of calling and a desire to contribute. You invest your time, your money, your talents into God’s world. The Bread of Life is the one that truly nourishes so that you can flourish.