In this Sunday’s gospel passage, the disciples return to Jesus after their mission. It’s the continuation of what began in last Sunday’s reading when Our Lord sends them out “two by two.” “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two”, we heard, and (he) gave them authority over unclean spirits…. So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Cf. Mark 6: 7,12-13). Let’s pause here for a moment and look at the problem Jesus is focusing on. He gave his disciples authority over people’s deepest pain. They preached “repentance”, meaning, bring to the surface your greatest mistakes of your lives. Face your ugliest shame. We all have done horrible things we truly regret and deal with them in one way or another; we bury them, hide them, pretend they are not there. Or maybe we even grab the closest bottle of liquor to deaden the pain, at least for a while? The disciples go there to that darkness. 

They also drive out demons from the people. Demons, these fallen, rebellious angels who hate humanity are our real enemies in this life. They constantly stalk us, tempt us to join their revolt against God, keeping us from the glory that God intends for us. St. Paul reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Cf. Ephesians 6:12). The Disciples are empowered to battle this foe for us. We are not alone.

And finally, the Twelve are given the supernatural power to cure the diseases that inflict us. We all deal with physical pain sooner or later as we age or watch our dearest loved succumb to some sickness. It’s the inevitable end we all face, regardless of how hard we try to exercise or eat well. We’re reminded of this reality everytime we look in the mirror and notice a new gray hair or wrinkle on our face.  Even worse still, when we hear the doctor’s terminal diagnosis. In all of this anxiety, the Twelve go precisely there and miraculously heal. Jesus wants to come into our darkness, our anxiety, our heartache. 

Now let us return to this Sunday’s passage. The result of the mission is successful beyond their wildest expectations. The disciples come back full of excitement. Yet, we’re told, Jesus doesn’t match their enthusiasm. He is not surprised in the least at the outcomes. Afterall, it was his authority that he gave them to do all these amazing acts. All that Jesus does is say to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Cf. Mark 6:30-31). Jesus redirects their attention back to the heart of the matter. Everything we do must focus on Jesus Christ. He and he alone, is the only answer. He alone is enough for us.