If we ever longed for a paradise scene, a place of rest where it all comes together, psalm 23 paints it. The shepherd guides me through deserts to green pastures, sits me by calm waters, fills me with courage, overflows my cup, and surrounds me with goodness and kindness.

And this is just what Jesus holds out to his apostles in Mark’s 6th chapter, right after they’ve trudged in from their road journeys preaching his Good News.

Jesus’ caring invitation: “Come away by yourself to a quiet place and rest a while” About to step into their boat, he’s holding out that alluring scenario of green pastures and soothing waters where they could all settle down and just unwind.

But what happens? As they approach that promised shore, a large and noisy crowd is waiting and clamoring for their help and attention. And Jesus, moved with pity, begins to assist them.

And isn’t this a recognizable scenario for a Vincent-inspired servant of the poor? Just on the verge of taking your break, someone comes along and asks your help, looking for care right at the very spot you planned to rest.  Paradise-perfect transformed into paradise-interrupted.

What does the Lord Jesus do? Right away He begins to help, do what’s needed. Shepherding once again, he delays his plan to sit back and relax. And isn’t this recognizable enough in the experience of a Vincentian Family member? A need outdistancing a planned respite.

Here is a gospel portrait to summon up when some urgency arises that overrides my own plans to step back and rest. It’s a riveting scene for a follower of Vincent — the tired Jesus and his drooping disciples climbing out of their boat and delaying their own ease because others call out for their care in the here and now.

Or in Vincent’s own words, spoken towards the end of his life: …We have to quicken our pace and redouble our ordinary exercises on certain occasions when the service of God requires it, and then God does not fail to redouble our courage and strength as well.

Volume: 7 | Page#: 197) To Antoine Durand, 21 June, 1658 added on 6/28/2011