16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024
Believe it or not I am in my office sharpening my axe!
Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant. The pay was really good, and so were the working conditions. For those reasons, the woodcutter was determined to do his best.
His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he would work.
The first day, the woodcutter felled 18 trees.
“Congratulations,” the boss said. “Go on that way!”
Motivated by the boss's words, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he could only bring down 15 trees. The third day, he tried even harder, but he could only manage 10 trees. Day after day, he finished with fewer trees.
“I must be losing my strength,” the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.
“When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” the boss asked.
“Sharpen? I’ve had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been so busy trying to cut trees….”
This simple story, my friends, reminds us of an important truth about our own lives: we need to take time to rest and renew ourselves. If we don’t, we can become like the woodcutter, working harder and harder but accomplishing less and less. This truth is echoed in today's Gospel reading from Mark 6:30-34.
In this passage, Jesus invites His disciples to come away with Him to a quiet place and rest for a while. The disciples had been so busy with the demands of ministry that they hadn’t even had time to eat. Jesus recognizes their need for rest and renewal and calls them to take a break from their labors.
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31).
Summer is a perfect time to find moments of rest and reconnection with our families and with God. It’s a season that naturally invites us to slow down, to enjoy the beauty of creation, and to spend quality time with our loved ones. Yet, even in this season, we can find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life, neglecting our need to rest and renew our spirits.
Jesus’ invitation to His disciples is an invitation to us as well. It is a reminder that we need to step back from our daily grind, to rest, and to spend time with Him. Just as the woodcutter needed to sharpen his axe to be effective in his work, we need to take time to rest and pray to be effective in our lives and our ministries.
How do we sharpen our axes? How do we find true rest? Here are a few thoughts:
Spend Time in Prayer: Our relationship with God is the foundation of our lives. Taking time each day to pray, to read Scripture, and to listen to God helps to renew our spirits. Just as Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, we too need to find our quiet moments with God.
Reconnect with Family: Summer offers us opportunities to reconnect with our families. Whether it’s a family vacation, a day at the park, or simply a meal together, these moments strengthen our bonds and bring joy to our hearts.
Enjoy God’s Creation: Spending time in nature can be incredibly restorative. The beauty of God’s creation – the mountains, the lakes, the forests – can refresh our souls and remind us of His greatness and love.
Rest and Relaxation: It’s important to take time to rest. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a nap, or enjoying a hobby, these activities help to recharge our batteries.
In our fast-paced world, taking time to rest can seem like a luxury we can’t afford. But Jesus shows us that rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By taking time to rest and renew ourselves, we are better able to serve God and others.
As we reflect on today’s Gospel, let us hear Jesus’ invitation to us: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Let us take time this summer to rest, to reconnect with our families, and to renew our spirits. And in doing so, let us find the strength and grace we need to continue our journey of faith.
May God bless you and grant you His peace and rest.
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