A few years ago, I went on a retreat where the central theme was a powerful line from Mark’s Gospel:
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)
Jesus speaks these words to His apostles after they’ve been out in the world—healing the sick, casting out unclean spirits, pouring themselves into the ministry. It’s also at this time that they receive the heartbreaking news of John the Baptist’s death.
And ironically, right after Jesus calls them to rest, they are immediately met with more demands. The crowds keep coming, pressing in, so much so that “they had no opportunity even to eat” (Mark 6:31)—which leads to the miraculous feeding of the five thousand.
The apostles are in the thick of it—doing the Lord’s work, grieving, giving of themselves endlessly. And isn’t that a familiar place for us, too? We get caught up in the constant demands of life—family, work, responsibilities, the ups and downs of everyday struggles.
But Jesus’ words are just as urgent for us today as they were for His apostles: Come away.
Whether it’s the quiet of morning prayer, an hour before the Blessed Sacrament, or even a full retreat—it’s essential to step away and rest in Him. Because when we do, we’re not just recharging. We’re reminding ourselves that our strength, our peace, our very life—comes from Him.