This week marks the beginning of a kind of “liturgical detour.” We have been listening to Saint Mark’s Gospel during this liturgical year (Year B). Today we begin to hear a long section from John’s Gospel, starting with the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This miracle story is a prelude to the Lord’s statements that we will begin hearing in a few weeks, in which Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life.”

For several weeks we have listened to readings that have recounted just how arduous the work of prophets and disciples can be. In today’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus listens to the reports of those he had sent out “two by two” to minister to the people. After the apostles reported what they had done, Jesus, recognizing their fatigue, says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31).

The prophet Ezekiel, Saint Paul, and the Lord Jesus share something in common in today’s scripture readings. They all experience obstacles to their ministry. Ezekiel is summoned to prophesy to the Israelites, who are “hard of face and obstinate of heart” (Ezekiel 2:4). Saint Paul recounts how he has been given a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Lord Jesus is unable to perform many signs in his native place. The Gospel tells us that “[he] was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6).

Today we encounter readings that draw us into the mystery of suffering and death. In the past few years we have witnessed the devastation of life and property through earthquakes and hurricanes. So many lifted their lament to God, simply asking, “Why?” This is an honest expression of anger toward a God who we believe is the giver of life.