1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Let us strive to enter into that rest. 

Act naturally. Confirmed rumor. Jumbo shrimp. These are all examples of oxymorons, a combination of two words that have opposite meanings. Today we read about another one: strive to rest. But as oxymoronic as it may seem at first, a quick look around can convince us that we really do need to make every effort . . . to rest! Life can seem like a never-ending to-do list. And when we do have an opening in our schedule, some pressing task or another comes along to fill it.

It’s true that we imitate our Creator when we do our own work well and with a good conscience. But God also wants us to imitate him by taking time to rest on the Sabbath as he did. Taking a regular break from work can remind us that God has more in store for us than even our best efforts can produce. When we take a day of rest, we can turn our attention to heaven, our true home, a place we could never build no matter how hard we have worked.

For many of us, Sunday has become a shopping day, a sports day, or a yardwork day. For some it has become a necessary work day. None of this is wrong in and of itself. For someone stuck in an office all week, a day out in the sun can be very refreshing. And God wouldn’t expect us to give up work on Sundays if we have no other option. What he does want is for us to carve out some time to rest with him, whether at Mass, with a little more time in prayer and Scripture, or by enjoying the company of loved ones.

Sunday is coming. Strive to keep that door to heaven open. Clear your schedule of one thing that you could move to another day. Do your best to keep your mind clear of anxiety; try not to fret about the past or worry about the future. Then just enter into God’s rest. Take a look around and see all that the risen Jesus has done for you.

“Holy Spirit, help me guard my time this Sunday. Refresh me this Sabbath with restful prayer, fellowship, and recreation.”

Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8
Mark 2:1-12
Hebrews 4:1-5,11

WORD AMONG US