The gospel of today, 16th Sunday in ordinary time, is a continuation of last Sunday's gospel. This time, it's not about the sending of the apostles to mission work but their return from mission. The apostles returning from apostolic work were eager to report their successful missions: what they taught and the miracles they accomplished.
The caring Jesus saw how the mission has exhausted them and immediately suggested a little vacation: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Yes, Jesus is interested in the work of spreading the gospel; he is also interested in ensuring that the missionary does not forget to take care of his or her bodily needs.The caring Jesus had to mobilize the apostles into a boat to get refreshed. Surprisingly, the people knew where Jesus intended to go. They rushed and arrived there before him. On arrival, Jesus saw them. He was moved with compassion and had to cancel his vacation because he cares.
Jesus' compassion overwhelmed his fatigue and he set out to teach people instead of taking his holiday. In life there are times when polarities must be managed: instead of 'either or' we must accept to move 'a little to the left and a little to the right.' We must learn to balance our rights with our compassionate heart in the face of human suffering. We must learn to be strict and to be soft at the same time. At such times, the key attitude is 'striking a balance' in all that we do such that no aspect of our life is sacrificed at the expense of the other.
The caring Jesus wants you to rest when you are tired. He wants you to care when the suffering of others stares you in the face. Like Jesus, from time to time allow your compassion to overwhelm your rest in the face of human suffering. Set aside your right to render a gratuitous service to those who truly need it around you.