Bumalik kay Jesus ang mga apostol at iniulat nila sa kanya ang lahat ng kanilang ginawa at itinuro. Subalit napakaraming taong dumarating at umaalis, at hindi na nila makuhang kumain. Kaya’t sinabi ni Jesus sa mga alagad, “Magpunta tayo sa isang lugar na kung saan maaari tayong makapagsarilinan, at upang makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Umalis nga silang sakay ng isang bangka, at nagpunta sa isang ilang na lugar.

Marcos 6:30–32

Spending time away from the crowd is something not everyone can afford. Kalimitang dahilan ay ang mga gawaing mahihinto kung sila ay lalayo. A mom whose children won’t have meals for the day or are unable to take a nap without her singing them a lullaby cannot just take the day off. A bank teller needs to make sure another teller takes her place before she can have her vacation leave approved. A break is a far-fetched dream for a son whose ailing parent is completely dependent on him to feed and clean him and give him medications. Sa katunayan, minsan ay nakakaranas sila ng bashing and judgmental remarks from others who do not understand that these people also need to rest and recharge.

Ayon sa Mark 6:30, bumalik ang mga apostol mula sa kanilang ministry tour at sinabi nila kay Jesus ang lahat ng kanilang ginawa. Galing sa ministry, siguradong pagod sila kakalakad, kakasalita, at kakasalamuha sa iba’t ibang tao. “He said to them, ‘Come away from the people. Be by yourselves and rest. There were many people coming and going. They had no time even to eat. They went by themselves in a boat to a desert” (vv. 31–32, NLV). What a relief that Jesus Himself wants us to take time, slow down, take care of our own needs, like sleeping and eating.

There really is something therapeutic about being away even for just a while. Whether it means being alone for an hour, or for the week, nakakatulong ito upang makapagpahinga ang ating mga katawan at isipan. This can also be a time when we can hear from the Lord … something that we might not be able to do if we’re right smack in the middle of obligations and chaos. So why not take Jesus’ invitation to rest and learn from Him? (Matthew 11:28–29)