Deserted Place to Pray- Mark 6:30-34 Reflection
Some people make time to pray and rest silently every day. You can be grateful if you have this time, as it is not easy, possible, or practical for most people. The gift of deep prayer in a “deserted place” includes reflecting the gathered light. As a recognized spiritual resource, John of the Cross lists holy solitude, prayer, and spiritual and divine reading for peace and to serve God. With great joy and humility, lift your basket to share and teach the wondrous love of Jesus you receive in prayer. You will find that Jesus’s love especially surfaces and warms when the Spirit unexpectedly directs you to be present for someone. Jesus wants us to ask and use the same light and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to work with you during your ministries.
Jesus Commands the Apostles to Rest by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 6:30-34 – Scripture*
Feeding the Five Thousand
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 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. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 6:30-34 Reflection – Deserted Place to Pray.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 6 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Other affiliations
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Deserted Place