The significance of Going back and reporting to Jesus by the Apostles

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fourth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel :  Mark 6:30-34*

*First Reading : 1 Kings 3:4-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : 119: 9-14*

*The significance of Going back and reporting to Jesus by the Apostles*

*1) The significance of returning to Jesus*

The apostles had been sent out with authority (Mk 6:7–13). They preached, healed, cast out demons. From the outside, it looks like a success story. And yet the first thing they do is come back to Jesus.

This shows something crucial: Mission flows from Jesus and must return to Jesus.

Their power was never independent. Returning reminds us that: 

Ministry does not make us self-sufficient

Success does not replace relationship

Experience does not outweigh communion

Jesus is not just the sender; He remains the center.

*2) How important is going back to Jesus after ministry?*

It is essential, not optional. Why?

*A) To avoid burnout*

Right after this verse, Jesus says: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mk 6:31)

Ministry without return leads to exhaustion. Even holy work can drain us if we never rest in Christ.

*B) To avoid pride*

The apostles could have focused on their achievements: “We healed!”, “We preached!”, “Demons obeyed us!”

But returning to Jesus keeps the heart humble: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5)

*C) To be re-centered*

The world measures results. Jesus measures faithfulness and love.

Going back to Him realigns our motives.

*3) The role of reporting to Jesus*

Notice the text: “They reported to him all they had done and taught.”

This is beautiful. Jesus already knows—but He invites them to speak.

Reporting is not for information : It is for relationship.

*When they report:*

They reflect on their actions

They let Jesus interpret their experience

They place their work under His gaze

*This is a model of prayerful reflection:*

What went well?

What was difficult?

Where did I feel God close?

Where did I struggle or fail?

In spiritual terms, this is the seed of examination of conscience and discernment.

*4) Relevance for our life today*

This gesture speaks directly to us:

*A) After work, go back to Jesus* : After teaching, parenting, serving, leading, helping—

Go back to Him. Don’t only meet Jesus before tasks; meet Him after them.

*B) In prayer, “report” your day* : You can literally say: “Lord, this is what I did today.” “This is what I said.” 

“This is where I felt alive.” “This is where I failed.”

That kind of prayer is honest, relational, and healing.

*C) Let Jesus interpret your life* : We often judge ourselves too harshly—or too generously. Jesus gives the true meaning of our actions.

*5) Points to Ponder* 

The apostles did not return to applause. They returned to presence.

That is the heart of Christian life. We are not valued because we are useful. We are fruitful because we are connected.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*