Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.

The scripture readings for today's Mass can be found at http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020919.cfm

Today's gospel reading for Mass is from the gospel of St. Mark and it contains one of my most favorite encouragements from Jesus: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) The apostles just returned from the mission Jesus sent them on to the nearby villages, giving them authority over unclean spirits, and telling them to preach about repentance. The healing power of God was with them, and they were able to expel demons and cure the sick. 

Upon returning to Jesus, they reported all they had done in the name of the Lord God. Then Jesus, knowing that they were tired, invited them to go away to rest and be one with God.

It's important for all of us to make time to be alone with God. For me, my favorite time to be alone with God is early in the morning. I have my usual place where I take out my breviary (the daily prayer book that priests, deacons and religious use to pray the psalms with) and have my coffee ready, and light a candle, and place a crucifix in front of me to help me to focus on our Lord. This time of praying scripture and meditating on the word of God helps me to be open to what God is trying to tell me that morning. It helps remind me that no matter what may happen that day, God will always be present.

I would like to encourage everyone to make that special time to be alone with God. It doesn't have to be in the morning. It could be any time of the day when you can get away and be quiet. Set up a place at home, if you're able, where you can just sit with your bible or prayer book, and just focus on what God is trying to teach you that day. Once you get into that habit of being alone with God, I think you will find that peace that can only come from a close relationship with Him who made you.