In these difficult times, it is important we rest - especially those people at the front-line of services around the world (medical and non-medical), but everyone else should find time to rest too.
Thank you to Fr John Warrington in the Diocese of East Anglia for letting us share these reflections today.
Reflection I
“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” - Genesis 2: 2-3
In these reflections I am going to discuss the taking time for me. Rest is defined as “peace, ease or refreshment.” Relax means “to become loose or less firm, to have a milder manner, to be less stiff.” The Bible speaks quite highly of rest. It is a repeated theme throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation week. God created for six days; then He rested, not because He was tired but to set the standard for mankind to follow. God desires rest for us because it does not come naturally to us. To rest, we have to trust that God will take care of things for us. We have to trust that, if we take a day off, the world will not stop turning on its axis. The creator of the universe desires that working should be followed by rest. He created the night so that we could rest after our hours of toil.
- Are you resting enough?
- Do you take time out each day for rest?
- Try to have some time to yourself this week.
Reflection II
"Work saves him from the solitariness that he fears – and his fear is well founded; for when a man is alone he is really alone least of all: he is then naked in the universe; he is face to face with God; and this confrontation is formidable . . . . Modern man . . . . takes refuge in anaesthetics, and most of all the opiate of work, which keeps his thoughts away from contemplation by keeping his eyes fixed on the conveyor belt or the drawing board." Arnold Toynbee
Rest and leisure are rare commodities in today’s modern, technological, excellence driven society. Powerful social forces that attempt to turn each of us into human whirlwinds running in fast forward are challenging many. There’s something magically refreshing about intentional down time, about stepping back, seeing the world from different angles, and getting enough space to reflect on the portion God has blessed you with.
- What do we need a break from?
- How could God be honoured in our lives by stepping back from one activity to recharge our batteries?
Reflection III
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. - Isaiah 40:30-31
When you have the time to prepare to do nothing: To sleep in. To actually read a book. To potter around, or finish what you started months ago.
It will mean that your mind, body, and spirit will be rested, refreshed, and renewed, and you’ll return to “real life” much more excited about what God has on your plate.
- Why not go and do something at home you have wanted to do for ages? Go and plan it, then do it!
- Is there a book you want to read and you have put off reading it for a long time? Go and start it today!
- In your busy life, why not sit down for a minute and pray to God. Talk to God about your day and what you have planned that day/week/year. Just have a conversation with him because he likes to listen. God wants you to take that time.
Let us pray..
Oh my Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything!
Jesus, I love You; Jesus, have mercy; Jesus, make Your will mine!
Blessed be God!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the holy souls in purgatory.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, increase in us our Faith, Hope and Charity.
Good Jesus, give me a deep love for Thee, that nothing may be too hard for me to bear from Thee.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, set our hearts on fire with love of Thee.
Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!
Jesus I trust in You!
- Thanks to Father John Warrington
