And the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him everything they had done and taught.
The Twelve return from their first ministry to which Jesus sent them, and they come to Him. This is an important picture for the spiritual life. They went out sent by Him, and now they return to Him Himself to report about their work. The true place of a disciple is always before the Lord, both before being sent and after returning. They report not only what they taught, but also what they did. This shows that ministry includes both word and deed. But most important is that they bring all of it before Christ. In this way the servant does not keep his successes and difficulties to himself, but entrusts them to the judgment and care of his Lord. At the same time this shows that they do not act by their own strength or independently, but remain continually connected to the One who sent them: the source of their ministry is Christ, and returning to Him also becomes a moment of strengthening and renewal, in order to continue their mission.