What comes before a particular scriptural passage is very important.  In this sixth chapter of Mark, Jesus had been rejected by his fellow townspeople, the disciples were missioned to preach and to heal, John the Baptizer was killed.  The crowds were seeking out Jesus to the point that he and the disciples were not even able to eat.

Jesus was attempting to find time to sort out all these experiences, to spiritually recharge.  That is why he urged the disciples to find a secluded place to rest.  Jesus knew that reflection on our good works is necessary.  We must so reflect to be sure that our actions are rooted in love.  I can do something to impress people, to get that "warm feeling" of being such a good person.  Jesus was constantly taking the scribes and Pharisees to task over that.  The home remedy for such inclinations would seemingly be clear focus on the needs of others and a forgetfulness of self.  The wisdom of Solomon, as in our first reading, would be helpful, but a sincere honesty should get the job done.  In regard to our practice of virtue, often easier said than done, Jesus invites us to seek quiet and rest.  Reflection on our lives is necessary or our lives just happen.  We are like sheep without a shepherd.  Like the disciples, we must learn from the example of Jesus that our good works must come out of the needs of persons in our lives.  Then we can be true apostles.