Christian Art | Jesus And His Apostles Seek A Desert Place
Mark 6: 30-34 – Week 4 Ordinary Time, Saturday (Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
The apostles have returned exhausted and energized to Jesus. They have succeeded in their mission and they are full of the glory of what they have accomplished. They long to tell Jesus all that they have done in Jesus’ name. This is a triumph for the disciples. They long to share.
Jesus’ feels all the apostles’ urgent need to tell him just how well they have done what they were instructed to do. When those disciples first set out, perhaps it was inevitable that they would have had their doubts, and now there is joy when those doubts and fears are overcome and proven groundless. This must be emotionally overwhelming for the reunion of Jesus and his disciples.
Jesus celebrates these feelings with the disciples while drawing them in to reflect awhile. It is as a mother or a careful teacher would manage the learning of a child.
There is to be no escape for Jesus and his disciples, however. This is now become a mass movement, indeed a frenzy: everybody wants to be near Jesus. It is truly terrifying. All privacy has been taken away. Jesus’ mission has become exhausting.
Jesus is not cowed by this mass influx of people begging for spiritual leadership. He knows that this is why he is here, and while it may be so hard on him, this is the mission that he is here to fulfil.
Jesus is exhausted and needs time with his closest disciples. Nonetheless, he has pity and chooses to give himself yet more, to teach the crowds. The giving is absolute.
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
25 ¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. (Ezekiel: 36: 24-28)
Concluding Prayer
All-powerful, eternal God,
splendour of true light and never-ending day:
at the return of the morning hour
chase away the night of sin,
and fill our minds with the glory of your coming.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
Audio Bible KJV | Endnotes
The Power Of Solitude – Learning From Jesus’ Example
In Mark 6:30-34, we see Jesus and his disciples seeking solitude in a desert place. While the disciples were eager to report to Jesus all that they had done and taught during their ministry, Jesus recognized that they needed a break. Jesus invited them to come away with him to a place where they could rest and be refreshed – to a desert place.
The desert place is both literally so and it can serve as metaphor. There is a stillness and a poverty in the desert. There is an exposure – both to the environment and to ourselves – and so to God.
The importance of solitude in the Christian life cannot be overstated. Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of people seeking solitude in order to connect with God. Moses, for example, spent 40 days alone with God on Mount Sinai, and Elijah heard the still, small voice of God while he was alone in a cave.
Similarly, Jesus often sought solitude in order to pray and to connect with his Father. In Mark 1:35, we see Jesus rising early in the morning to go to a solitary place to pray. In Luke 5:16, we see that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find moments of solitude in our busy lives. However, the benefits of solitude are numerous. Solitude provides us with the space and time we need to reflect on our lives, to connect with God, and to gain clarity and perspective.
In his book The Power Of Solitude, Henri Nouwen writes: ‘Solitude is the furnace of transformation.’ Nouwen goes on to explain that when we enter into solitude, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God’s love. Through prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience His presence in new and powerful ways.
In addition to the benefits of solitude for our personal spiritual growth, there are also benefits for our relationships with others. When we take time to step away from the noise and distractions of the world, we become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. We are able to approach our relationships with a greater sense of compassion and understanding.
Furthermore, when we take time for solitude, we are better able to discern God’s will for our lives. In the quiet of solitude, we can more clearly hear God’s voice and direction. This allows us to make decisions that are in line with God’s plan for our lives and to approach challenges and opportunities with confidence and clarity.
One of the challenges of seeking solitude is that it can be difficult to find the time and space for it in our busy lives. However, there are many ways to incorporate moments of solitude into our daily routines. Whether it is taking a walk in nature, finding a quiet spot in our homes to pray, or simply turning off our devices for a few minutes each day, we can all find ways to prioritize solitude in our lives.
In addition, there are many Christian retreat centers and programs that offer opportunities for extended periods of solitude and reflection. These retreats can be a wonderful way to step away from the demands of daily life and to focus on deepening our relationship with God.
Pope Francis has spoken on the importance of retreat and solitude in the Christian life on several occasions. In his 2018 apostolic exhortation Gaudete Et Exsultate, Pope Francis writes: ‘We need to set aside a time each day for God, with prayer and Bible reading, while also setting aside moments of recollection throughout the day, particularly at night before retiring. Gradually, we can calm our anxious hearts, and we will be more serene and self-possessed.’
In addition, Pope Francis has frequently emphasized the importance of taking time for spiritual renewal through retreat. In a 2019 message to participants in a retreat for priests in the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis encouraged the priests to take time for ‘silence, reflection, and prayer’ in order to ‘recharge their spiritual batteries’ and to be ‘better equipped to serve the people of God’.
The example of Jesus and His disciples in Mark 6:30-34 teaches us the importance of seeking solitude in order to rest, reflect, and connect with God. As we follow Jesus’ example, may we be intentional about carving out moments of solitude in our lives, and may we be open to the transformative power of God’s love as we do so.
In the quiet of the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, experiencing his bond with his Father. Jesus humbly accepted God the Father’s plan, even knowing the suffering ahead. Jesus’ mission was to bring salvation through sacrifice. Jesus cared for his disciples, urging them to pray together for strength. An angel comforted Jesus, expressing divine support. Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us to pray, to seek God’s will and trust in God’s purpose, to find courage in our faith [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
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