In today's gospel there are four quick lessons to be learned: Firstly the disciples are apostles, sent out to the world. They have a mission, a work to do, in order that the life of Jesus might bear fruit in the world. They are sent.

Secondly, the disciples are accountable for what they do and what they don't do. They come back and report to Jesus what has happened to them, the things they have done in his name and the things they had taught and how their message was received. There is a reckoning.

Thirdly, the disciples are taught that they must somehow find a balance between work and play, between action and prayer, between serving others and taking time for one's self. We are responsible for taking care of ourselves so we can be of use to one another and stay connected to God.

Lastly, no matter how well planned our life may be, our plans will continually be upset. There will always be people with needs, people to minister to, people who will seek the disciples out even when they have gone off into seclusion. Jesus' response is not to turn people away even though he had gone out to that secluded spot with his disciples to get away from them. Instead he is moved with compassion and teaches them at great length.