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July 21, 2024

(Reflection for this Sunday’s readings from Pflaum Gospel Weeklies)

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” –Mark 6:31

Jesus did it all the time, according to the Gospels. He followed a full day of labor for the sake of the Kingdom with getaway time in the wilderness, up a mountain, on the water, or at the home of friends. Jesus didn’t work himself to death. Extinction came to him by other means. Jesus chose a life of balance: community and solitude, fasting and feasting, prayer and preaching, offering himself to the crowds and napping in the bottom of his friend’s boat.

When the disciples went out for a full day of preaching, healing, and exorcising demons, Jesus invited them to enjoy the same comforting rest afterwards. But just as Jesus wasn’t militant about ministry, he wasn’t a stickler for quitting time either. Despite his efforts to seek rest, the need of the crowd overweighed personal weariness. Compassion never takes a break.

When did you receive something extra from another person, for compassion’s sake?

Upcoming Events

· Sunday, September 1—Donut Sunday after 8:00 and 10:00 Mass. Donations help defray the cost of attending NCYC in November 2025.

· Wednesday, September 4—Family Faith Formation BBQ and registration after 5:30 Mass. (Revised date!)

· Wednesday, September 11—First night of FFF for all K-7th graders. Mass at 5:30 and class starting at 6:00. (Revised date!)

· Sunday, September 22—Donut Sunday after 8:00 and 10:00 Mass. Donations help defray the cost of attending NCYC in November 2025.

Questions or comments, please call Michele Haggerty, DRE at (816) 210-8223 or (573) 365-2241 ext. 4.