Daily Scripture:

‘After Jesus had dismissed the crowd he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray’. (Matthew 14.23)

Daily Reflection:

For people with busy lives, and perhaps especially those whose work involves ministering to the needs of others, it’s essential to find time for yourself, to recharge the batteries, to think your own thoughts. Jesus was constantly surrounded by people coming to him for help and healing, and it was impossible to send them away. Often he would slip away to pray, and again and again the crowds would track him down and flock to him. On this particular day he had gone out into a deserted place to be alone, but found himself ministering to a crowd of 5000 needy people.

It is not always easy to get the balance right between our own needs and those of other people. We can only pray for wisdom and patience, in the knowledge that Jesus himself understands the problem.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen