He Gives You Permission to Rest

February 7, 2026 // Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Reflect on the Word //

I made my way through the house, sorting and cleaning as I walked from the kitchen to the living room and into the master bedroom. Finally, some peace. I looked over at my prayer corner, where there was an unavoidable mountain of laundry piled onto my prayer chair. Great. Another chore.

I recalled the desire I had that week to spend more time with Jesus in the Word. A desire for order and peace—a break from the chaos and busyness of daily life. If only I had time for that. There’s so much to get done and schedule out. Meals won’t cook themselves and my work is waiting for me.

The enemy knew the lies to whisper to me that would make me feel alone, unseen, and too busy to achieve what my heart really longed for.

In today’s Gospel, the Apostles were ready to give Jesus a report for what they were able to accomplish. He was ready to give them rest (see Mark 6:30-31). They were caught up in the doing and He invited them to simply be. Just as His heart was moved with pity for those following Him and hoping to be satisfied, His heart moves for you, too. He tends to you and simply asks you to “come away [. . .] and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

Do you also get caught up in doing all the things? Some are tedious and necessary. Other tasks are small victories or blessings from answered prayers. Like the Apostles, we can tell Jesus everything, giving Him a rundown of all we got through and what is left to come. His response—so tender and personal each time—is to come away from all of the doing.

Much like the pile of laundry that disappeared with slow and gentle sorting, Jesus wants to eliminate the burdens of your daily life. Your lists and chores will be there. Jesus will be with you as you get them done. There is no task greater than abiding with Him. Coming to the One Who truly gives us what our hearts desire—His presence, His rest, His peace.

Relate to the Lord // Take some time to rest in and with the Lord today. What does that look like for you?

Be a Woman of the Word

About Steph Salinas

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Stephanie Salinas is a wife and mama living in the West Valley of Arizona. A California native, she enjoys time with family rooting for the LA sports teams. She holds a Communications degree and a Catholic Studies degree. Her background is in parish and diocesan ministry and has a heart for planning opportunities of encounter with Christ through Blessed is She events while also facilitating resources for the Hispanic community. Steph also runs a Young Adult Ministry with her husband, Chilo called The Well. Find out more about it here.

Stephanie Salinas es una esposa y madre que vive en el Valle Oeste de Arizona. Originalmente de California, disfruta del tiempo con su familia apoyando a los equipos deportivos de Los Ángeles. Tiene una licenciatura en Comunicaciones y Estudios Catolicos. Su experiencia es en el ministerio parroquial y diocesano y tiene corazón para la planificación de oportunidades de encuentro con Cristo a través de eventos Blessed is She, al mismo tiempo facilitando recursos para la comunidad hispana. Steph también ofrece un ministerio para jóvenes adultos con su esposo, Chilo llamado The Well. Encuentra mas información aqui.