A Deserted Place

Mark 6: 30-34 (02/03/24) & Mark 1: 29-39 (02/04/24)

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile”

-rest in a place away from others but with each other
-they sought a deserted place but people followed/joined them there
-they couldn’t find the solitude they sought
-but they didn’t freak out that they didn’t get their ‘alone time’ and instead Jesus’ heart was “moved with pity for them” and “he began to teach them many things”
-Jesus and the Apostles sought out the deserted place after performing many miracles of healing the sick — to recharge with prayer and silence
-Mk1 “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed”. –and he was followed; by the Simon + Apostles “everyone is looking for you”

Deserted Place for rest and prayer

When I am at home I am constantly sought out or if not actively sought I have to remain present to my family in case they need me. I am always “on alert”. But what I long for and need is a deserted place to rest awhile and to pray. It should be easy to just, say, go upstairs to a bedroom and lock myself away for awhile. But I don’t/can’t and I wouldn’t be able to enter into a truly relaxed mental space like I need.

And so, like Jesus and his disciples I tried to go away by myself to a deserted place to rest awhile.

I sought out the Narthex of St. Bonaventure Church and the lights were on (which is unusal even though it’s Faith Formation night). As I was getting set up Fr. Miro and a 1st grade CCD class came in and the priest led them around the church explaining things.

10 kids at the holy fountain trying to reach in for holy water; almost knocked over the Baptism candle; very rowdy but joy-filled.

It was 15 minutes and then lights off “Do you need the light?” Fr. Miro asked

Lights out I could feel myself finally relax and be calm in silence in a deserted place. And within 5 minutes I was like “wow that was refreshing” / “this is refreshing” — why do I wait so long to achieve a deserted place? Why do I not do this for myself more often, especially since I know I need it and long for it. And it doesn’t have to be hours and hours – even just a literal handful of minutes produces a calming effect. (Thank you, God!)

If I do not have a deserted place then how can I pray? How can I rest?

I am still learning how to make my mini “deserted places” in mini increments of time.

“Come away by yoursel[f] to a deserted place and rest awhile”. Reading that line alone creates a peace. It is an invitation and permission to not be present to others and to be just present to God.

To find rest ideally you will have solitude, but to find prayer – it’s always available and there.