The disciples come back from a mission full of enthusiasm for all they had been able to accomplish. Jesus tells them they need a rest, they need to get away from the crowds and spend some time alone. They need to reflect on all they have done. But it was not to be. As they crossed the lake, they were seen by the people, who rushed along the shore to be there when Jesus arrived. Far from being annoyed at this intrusion, Jesus sees the crowds as hungry and in great need of guidance. He is filled with compassion for them and begins to teach them. This is the food they need for their souls and, at the end of the day, he will feed their bodies too.

In our lives it is important we find a balance between responding - even at great personal inconvenience - to the genuine needs of others and taking time off for rest and reflection. Like Solomon, we too need in our busy-ness to stand back and see the quality and the value of the work we do.