Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (July 22, 2018): Finding energy to do what we're called to do.

Everyone in ministry feels overwhelmed by their calling from time to time. Whether it’s the ministry of raising children, or caring for an elderly spouse or parent, or working a job in a way that reveals Christ, or volunteering at a church or pastoring a parish, it’s necessary to take time out for ourselves — a vacation, a holiday — for nourishment and rest and recuperation. Jesus says so in this Sunday’s Gospel reading.

If we don’t obey this commandment, we become cranky. We make selfish or poor decisions. We become like the evil shepherds of the first reading, who misled and scattered those whom they were called to serve. Why? Because we become vulnerable to temptations when we try to give what we do not have.

It takes energy to reveal God’s love. It takes energy to remain enthusiastic in serving others. But how can we get recharged with new energy if we don’t take time to sit still, rest, and pray? How can we care about others when we don’t take good care of ourselves? Jesus lives within us, but before we can give him to others, we must first let him give himself to us.

Daily we encounter people who are like sheep without a shepherd; they are seeking Jesus whether they realize it or not. They want the unconditional love that he has to give. They want the healing and peace that he offers. He wants to help them, but if we who are his hands and feet and voice are too weak and worn out from our hardships, what then?

We need to go to a deserted place with Jesus and rest awhile in his nourishing love. If we go away on a retreat or vacation and come back to our work and ministries still cranky (i.e., if the people we shepherd wish we’d go take a longer trip), we haven’t rested enough. We’ve cut short the restoration process. Never-mind the pile-up of work. Jesus is inviting us to “Come away by yourself and rest awhile longer with Me until you become more like Me.”

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What work of the Lord has become unhappy for you? What stole your joy? How can you get it back? (You might need a spiritual director to help you figure this out.) What needs of yours must be met before you can feel enthusiastic about ministry? What will you do this week to let Jesus meet these needs?

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
Why do people neglect to give themselves enough time for rest and restoration? What do you do to nourish (develop, strengthen, get more in touch with) the gifts, talents, healing, and insights that God gives you so that you can minister to others? What’s been most helpful in restoring your Christian enthusiasm?

Thank you Lord, because when my strength declines, You call me to rest, strengthen me in my weakness and walk ahead of me, working Your plan of salvation. Amen.