“Herod . . . had John the Baptist beheaded in the prison . . . John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Matthew 14:9-13

Jesus’ day had a hard beginning. Early in the morning  he learned that John the Baptist had been killed by Herod, for completely frivolous reasons. The relationship between John and Jesus is not clear from the scriptures. We learn in the Gospel of Luke that their mothers are cousins. Still we know nothing of their growing up years, or how close they were. One suspects the two may have encountered each other when they traveled to Jerusalem for festivals.

Whatever the depth of their relationship, Jesus is troubled by the news of John’s execution. He immediately searches for a quiet place to reflect on his life and what has happened to John.

The remote place he chose was not remote enough. When his boat arrived,  a large crowd was already there. If it were me, I might have tried to get back in the boat and disappear. But this is Jesus. Jesus listens, and loves. He moves beyond his own hurt and pain, to reach out with love and compassion to others. Matthew tells us that Jesus healed the sick who had gathered in that crowd.

When evening came, Jesus, not wanting to send people away hungry, miraculously feeds the entire crowd. Having dismissed the people, Jesus is finally able, in that now quiet place, to rest, reflect, and pray. Eventually there is space to talk to God, about the challenges and fears he is encountering. At last a place and a time to renew his soul and his spirit.

As much as we know this about Jesus, it’s easy to let go of our own time, to withdraw to our quiet place, to reflect, to pray . . .  To lay out our fears, doubts and struggles before God.  Without spiritual nourishment, we falter, we despair, we give up, we are less than we might be.  What was true for Jesus, is no less true for us.

In the midst of busy days and busy times, Jesus still took time to pray. He sought out that time, knowing it was essential if he were to be faithful in his work and his ministry. There he gained courage to continue his journey, to speak truth, to challenge indifference, and to reveal God’s heart to all of us.