Wanna get away: Spend 5 with Jesus: February 4, 2023

Southwest Airlines, a number of years ago had a tag line that was a question: "Wanna get away?" The situation usually involved someone in a difficult or embarrassing situation that needed to get away fast, and the implication was that Southwest Airlines could get you somewhere nicer. After a couple of cold days, the thought of getting away for a few days in a nice warm climate seems pretty nice. But more important than a short vacation is what Jesus invites the disciples to do today. "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." It can be the case that we focus too much on the activity and not enough on the relationship. Even when I am doing good things, if I do not work to strengthen my relationship with Jesus, then I can quickly burn out. Or I can begin to think that what I do is most important, and not what Jesus does in my life. The real lesson for us is that it is not the case that everything depends upon us. The apostles were excited about the great things that God accomplished through them. But Jesus reminded them that it was important to know who the shepherd was. It was important to know from whom and by whom great things were happening. And so today, if things are getting crazy, even in a good way, be sure to spend time with Jesus to recharge, and to seek out the ways he wants to guide you to holiness. On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.