Do Relax

Today’s Gospel Text: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear." Matt 13:1-9

Reflection:  The Sea can offer a great solace to a tired mind and body.

Could this be the reason that Jesus got out of the house and sat besides the sea?

Indeed, it could be possible; for does he not advice his dedicated disciples after their hard labor of ministering to come aside and rest a while (Mk. 6:31)

The Lord of the Sabbath, who also gave the Sabbath rest, as a commandment to the sons of Jacob, also cares that his people learn to relax too after their hard day’s labor in the vineyard of the Lord.

Indeed God cares but how much does he care?

Let’s look at human situations: How often have we set our hearts on something and then voluntarily give up for a less better thing or get more immersed in a hard and difficult job, when in reality we have wanted to take a break from it? 

Thus in the given situation;  in one of the most beautiful situation of life, besides the sea, with its cool and calm waters to invade the tired mind and the cold breeze to soothe the tired body, who would easily turn aside and oblige a ever demanding crowd with more and more teachings concerning the kingdom?

Jesus does exactly that; as he sees the great crowd gathered around him, he is moved and gets into the boat and changes direction: from facing the sea to facing the people!

He sets about teaching them!

I can’t see of a more noble thing than this; for if there has been any teacher born on this earth and if there is any thought that is worth its salt, then here is the greatest ever teacher with the greatest ever thoughts and teachings, practiced every bit in deeds by him. 

He reaches out to people on demand and he proves his teachings by his willing service, even at a difficult time.

Prayer: Lord, help me daily to make an offering of myself for your service. (cfr. Rom. 12:1)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us