Daily Inspiration

“The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” -Mark 6:30-34
 
The word ‘Mass’ comes from the Latin word ‘missa,’ which means to go or be sent. In this passage, Jesus had just sent the Apostles out, and they were returning to Him. I find it fascinating how much time and effort Jesus spent constructing the format of the Mass.
 
In the Concluding Rite of the Mass, we are commanded to “Go in peace,” referencing Matthew 28 and Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations. We are sent from the Mass to the people to give them the Good News. Then, we return to Jesus for rest, to be fed, and to be given time to recover. He teaches us and having received Him, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity; He sends us out again to live the Mass.
 
Consider for a moment the people who came to Jesus in this passage. They did so because they heard the Word from the Apostles and wanted to see for themselves this Good News. In the Mass, we hear Jesus’ command, ‘Go in peace,’ and we realize He gives each of us the same opportunity He gave His Apostles to bring the lost sheep to Him.
 
Saint Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
 
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Jesus, I trust in you.