Sabbath: Parishioner Reflections on the Jubilee

God did not need to rest but He knew that we would...

As I began to reflect on the Sabbath, I was reminded that "Keep the Sabbath Holy" is a commandment and not simply a suggestion from our Lord. That got my attention. But I thought, "this can’t be a commandment for our times. Doesn’t God know how busy we are?"

Then the Lord reminded me that He does indeed know how busy we are . . . that we are made in His image and likeness, and we are called to follow Him in all things. And, that He doesn’t just "command" things of us, but always sets the example. On the seventh day, He rested. God did not need to rest, but He knew that we would need to, so He did it first.

I then wondered what the Catechism of the Catholic Church would have to say on the subject. The Catechism tells us that a good observance of the Sabbath has three elements: first, honor the day of rest; second, understand why Sunday Eucharist is essential; and third, participate more fully in the Eucharist.

Ah, the Eucharist! Now this makes sense to me. Since the Eucharist - the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus - is the center of our faith, of course God wants us to take time to really appreciate it, to rest in it, to be renewed by it. By participating fully in the Eucharist, we are being fed with the best food. If we are well fed, we will be renewed to go out and feed others. By feeding others, we honor God.

When I am emotionally or spiritually exhausted, when I am in need of peace and consolation, I plop myself down in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and just sit with Him. The experience of letting myself be cradled by Jesus ...of letting His grace and peace wash over me ... is unlike anything I’ve ever known. When in Eucharistic Adoration, I literally feel the radiance of the Blessed Sacrament touch my face and soak into my being. It’s "Son" bathing at its best! It is intimate and compelling and life-giving.

Prayer:
Jesus, bring me rest. Jesus, heal my heart. Jesus, I trust in you

Jennifer Cole

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