Come Away

The apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught. 

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” 

Mark 6:30

One for today’s readings, to the tune TANTUM ERGO (“Down In Adoration Falling”):

Come away from all your labor;
come from your relentless tasks.
Come, lay down your shield and saber;
set aside your many masks.
Come away with Christ the Savior:
Rest awhile, just as he asks.

Come away from restless hunger;
come from ever thirsting greed.
Come: Through all the strife and thunder,
Christ alone his flock shall feed.
Come be filled with hope and wonder
where the shepherd knows your need.

Come: The wedding feast is ready
and the sacrifice prepared.
Come, and leave no places empty;
come, the angels' bread to share.
Christ the Lamb his flock is tending;
he shall all your burdens bear.

Come, for Christ, who walks beside you,
sees and knows your weariness.
He, who left the flock to find you,
is your shelter in distress.
Come, and leave all else behind you;
with your loving Savior, rest.