Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through
Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was
teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be
handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his
death the Son of Man will rise.” Mark 9:30–31
Why would Jesus wish that no one know that He and His disciples
were traveling through Galilee at that time? It appears the reason
was that Jesus was intently focused upon teaching His disciples
about His coming passion, death and resurrection. Today’s Gospel
presents us with three moments in which Jesus taught His disciples
privately, directly and clearly: first, while they were journeying;
second, when they arrived in Capernaum and entered a house; and
third, when Jesus called a child over. Though the content of what
Jesus taught His disciples is significant, it is also helpful to
first reflect upon the simple fact that Jesus spent time alone with
the disciples teaching them.
In many ways, our Lord does the same with us. Jesus is constantly
calling us to various forms of solitude with Him so that we can
listen to all that He wants to teach us. This is difficult for many
today. So many people are constantly bombarded with the various
noises of the world, are constantly distracted by momentary and
passing experiences, and find it difficult to go off with our Lord
alone so that He can teach them the most important lessons of
life.
As you consider your weekly activities, how much time do you devote
to being alone with our Lord? How much time do you spend in prayer,
in the reading of Scripture and in silent meditation away from
other distractions? For many, this is a challenge.
It is also useful to consider the content of what Jesus taught His
disciples in private. He spoke to them about His coming passion,
death and resurrection. This was the central purpose of His life
and was clearly something that Jesus wanted to communicate to His
disciples. Notice also that Jesus spoke very directly and without
any figure of speech as He explained this. Contrast that with the
many parables He told to the crowds. It appears that when Jesus was
able to be alone with those who had dedicated their lives to
following Him in faith, Jesus was able to speak His saving message
more clearly and directly.
Reflect, today, upon the fact that our Lord wants to draw you into
silence and solitude from time to time. He wants to spend time with
you alone. This is especially the case for those who have chosen to
fully devote their lives to Him and His mission. If that is you,
then seek out these moments of solitude in which our Lord can speak
more clearly and directly to you so that your faith will deepen and
your understanding and knowledge will grow by leaps and
bounds.
Lord, You have so much to say, so much to teach and so much to
reveal. As I choose to follow You and devote my entire life to You,
I pray that You will continuously draw me into greater silence and
solitude so that I can receive from You the deep, clear and direct
messages that I need to hear, understand and believe. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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