“The commandment…by which God decrees the Sabbath observance is formulated in the Book of Exodus in a distinctive way: “Remember the Sabbath day in order to keep it holy” (20:8). And the inspired text goes on to give the reason for this, recalling as it does the work of God: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (v. 11). Before decreeing that something be done, the commandment urges that something be remembered. It is a call to awaken remembrance of the grand and fundamental work of God which is creation, a remembrance which must inspire the entire religious life of humanity and then fill the day on which we are called to rest. Rest therefore acquires a sacred value: the faithful are called to rest not only as God rested, but to rest in the Lord, bringing the entire creation to him, in praise and thanksgiving, intimate as a child and friendly as a spouse.” (Dies Domini, 16)

God commands keeping the Sabbath holy and also gives us the example of taking the time to rest from our work, not for his good, but for our good: we need each week to remember God at Mass and be fed by word and sacrament. We need regular time to rest from work.

It’s important to say that I realize for some of you in our parish, your life circumstances might mean it’s almost impossible to get some good time away from work this summer. I encourage you really to do all you can to take some time for rest with friends and family and God. But I also know there are circumstances outside our control. Just know that adequate time for rest is not a privilege; it’s a right given to us by God that should be recognized for all people. Let’s pray and advocate that all who labor in our country will have this right respected.

Next week: Trust, the connection between worship and rest.

A.M.D.G.,
Fr. Phil Hurley, S.J.
Pastor