In recent years I have stressed in my homilies the imperative of Catholics responding to their call, given us by Vatican II and more precisely Pope Francis, to be missionary disciples. Last week's gospel was ideal for communicating this message and modelling how such disciples are to work. This week we have another lesson for missionary disciples, which was distilled by Saint Benedict in his motto: ora et labora - to pray and to work. We see the apostles, in this reading, returning from their mission and being instructed to: "rest a while" (Mk 6: 31) Missionary disciples are called to share the joy of the Gospel. They are not called to burn out on account of the expectations placed on them by others no matter how worthy. Not only that, but the disciple also remains a disciple who is obedient to the instructions of the Master - Jesus Christ. We are not saviours or messiahs. The Lord is risen. He alone is the Saviour and Messiah. The ultimate fulfilment of salvation is his work in which we are privileged to cooperate. Thus, Jesus lets his followers rest while he takes the burden of teaching the people on himself: "... because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mk 6: 34) Fittingly, the Good Shepherd demonstrates to his missionary disciples his compassion and love for all.
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