Genuine rest, not raucous living

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognised them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6: 30-34)

If we are true disciples of Christ, the satisfactions will be plentiful, but there will also be many labours. Jesus also promises us moments of rest, peace and tranquillity. They are guaranteed by our friendship with Him. However, those who are far from Jesus never have a peaceful heart, even if they are free from their commitments. How many people on holiday are full of restlessness, anxiety and worries anyway? Let us accept from Jesus the gift of true rest, and not choose the raucous life that the world offers us.