Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Lack of rest is not good for us. It is said that an adult needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can lead to physical ailments such as heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, and stroke. Such deprivation can also be a cause of reduced alertness, poorer judgement and memory, and reduced concentration.
And, in our frenetic world, rest is more difficult to come by than in times past, I believe. Long ago when the sun went down the world slowed down. No late-night television. Working, for the most part, was confined to the daylight hours and beyond that, Sundays were days of rest and worship. Of course, I know that no matter the era, parents were always taking care of their children, the normal tasks of life didn’t slow down, and people needed to be alert for any and all dangers, but I do imagine a more relaxed time long ago. Maybe I’m dreaming, but I remember that in the 1960s as I was growing up there was more time to play, relax, and sit down to dinner with my parents each night (as was required of me). Today, we are almost proud to say that we are open 24/7, but I don’t think it has benefited us very much as a society or as individuals. Our physical, psychological, and spiritual health have all suffered because of so much constant and frenetic activity. Perhaps that is why God commanded us to take a day to reset ourselves, relax, do no work, and spend our time contemplating the more eternal realities on the ordained day of worship, which we at one time called, “The Lord’s Day.” At one time, Sunday was the day for Christians to set aside time for God and for family, just like the Sabbath was for the Jews.
So, when Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” I want to run and say a big “yes” to his invitation.
He promises to ease our burden, lighten our load, and give some peace to us living in a troubled and confused world.
Why wouldn’t we stop what we are doing and just come to Jesus for a while? If we say, “I am too busy for Jesus to give me his rest,” then we are too busy!
What is it that you could give up in order to carve out more time to come and receive the rest that Jesus wants to give to you?
Jesus is waiting for you. If you are near a church that is open, go in for a while. Turn off the TV and read a chapter of one of the Gospels. Go to work without the distraction of music or talking heads - and talk to Jesus instead. Take a walk and pray the rosary contemplating the major mysteries of the life of Christ. You will be amazed how refreshing even a few minutes alone with Jesus can be. Time with Jesus is restorative, like a good night’s sleep, which is good for both body and soul.
Have a blessed week, everyone.