A respite.

Respite is a break, a short break, from hard work. When we are caring for someone, and we need a break, and someone else provides care for a bit, that’s a respite.

The work still needs to be done. But the people involved need a break.

Sabbath is a kind of respite. A nap is a kind of respite. A meal with a friend, a phone call with a  loved one, a short break from screens to look at flowers are all kinds of respite.

Jesus understood the need. As Mark writes, “Then, because so many peo...