Come Away and Rest a While
In response to the apostles’ testimony, Jesus said:
Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. ~Mark 6:31
This verse is a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Jesus was most worried about the toll that the disciples’ ministry was taking on them personally. He therefore commanded them to withdraw to a peaceful place and take a break from their toil. The concern of Jesus is the same concern for us. The psalmist describes God as a loving and merciful Father, “For He knows how we were made; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).
On this Friends Day of Prayer, we will reflect on God’s mighty power in the midst of our exhaustion. St. Paul reminds us, “We have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). As vulnerable humans, we need opportunities to “rest a while.” Guided by Rev. Hamilton Okeke.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Rev. Hamilton E. Okeke, JCL is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Originally from Nigeria, Fr. Okeke was ordained a Catholic priest in June 2013 by Archbishop William Lori at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland. After his ordination, Fr. Okeke was assigned to Sacred Heart Church, Glyndon and St. Charles Borromeo Church, Pikesville. During his pastoral ministry at Sacred Heart, Fr. Okeke also worked at the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In 2018 Fr. Okeke began his canonical studies at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC while at the same time was appointed as Associate Pastor of St. Mark’s Catonsville and the Tribunal Ministry. Having obtained his Licentiate in Canon Law in 2020, Fr. Okeke was assigned by the Archbishop to the Tribunal full-time. Fr. Okeke leads retreats, seminars, and workshops on canonical issues for different associations of the Christian faithful within and outside the United States.