Reflection, Jan. 21, 2007

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of January 21, 2007

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As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Leisure

"The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, 'Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves."
Mark 6:30–32

Today's verses are the only place in the entire Bible where we find the word "leisure." It is a story some of us might not be familiar with, yet all busy people can relate to it. Crowds of people are coming and going. They are eager to experience and hear a famed speaker. They need healing and want to see miracles. They are hoping to get something they need, even if they cannot put their needs into words.

The apostles are deeply involved with the demands from the noisy and needy crowds. The apostles were people deeply committed to Jesus and his message of faith, love, and hope. They are more frequently called "disciples" in other Bible stories. They "followed" Jesus and hungrily sought his teachings. In this story, Jesus sees his apostles are exhausted and hungry. They had no leisure to even eat. So he takes them away to a deserted place to rest a short while.

Welcome to a moment of leisure. Webster's dictionary defines leisure as having freedom from responsibilities and duties. How often are we too busy with duties and responsibilities that we cannot pause to eat? Do we need to come and rest awhile in a quiet place? Let us take time to slow down today. In North America, we live in a culture of fast foods and drive-ins. Many of us eat on the run, in the car, and while continuing our work and play.

Where are you in this story?

God, bring us a few leisure moments today. Amen.

Grace and peace,

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