From the Gospel according to Mark 6:30–34
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.
Jesus notices how tired His apostles are. He doesn’t ask more of them than they can give, He doesn’t put pressure on them or judge them; on the contrary, He understands them deeply and invites them to step away with Him to rest, embracing them with mercy. This attitude of Jesus speaks directly to married life. What do we spouses do when our husband comes home exhausted after a long day at work? Do we complain and say, “you’re never home,” or do we welcome him with gratitude, recognizing the huge effort he makes for his family?
“Come and rest with me, my husband.”
Welcoming your husband or wife also means quietly and lovingly asking yourself: what’s hurting him/her? what’s weighing on him/her? Having compassion for your spouse doesn’t mean justifying everything; it means not hardening your heart, even when it’s hard. It means choosing understanding over reproach, proximity over distance. This is how we live marital charity: being a loving presence, a gift from God that lives in our heart and is constantly knocking at our door. If we open it, our life becomes self-giving and Eucharist for others.
Emily: Honey, can you come shopping with me? I’m completely overwhelmed today.
Henry: Emily… I was just about to go for a run. I’ve been looking forward to it all week. But I see you’re stressed, so of course, let’s go together.
Emily: Thank you, really. I know how much you love your workout time, and I hate cutting it short, but I really appreciate the effort you’re making.
Henry: Don’t worry. Sometimes the Lord invites us to love in the small things, even when it messes with our plans. Come on! let’s go, and we’ll use it as time together.
Emily: That helps me so much, Henry. And when we get back, if there’s time, you can still go out for a run.
Henry: Perfect. And now, let’s go get those groceries… but with a good attitude, okay? Because even here, we can choose to love.
Mother,
model of charity, teach us to love and serve as you do. Make our hearts simple, humble, and ready to serve. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever.
