Sabbath: Parishioner Reflections on the Jubilee

...rest and spiritual healing is vital...

It’s Friday at 6 PM. As I shut down my computer at work, grab my attache case and flip off the light, I’m thinking: "From now until Monday morning, I’ve got about 36 hours of waking time to whittle down a daunting ‘to do’ list." On the commute home, I plan my weekend in blocks, reserving most of Sunday morning for a bit of down time, followed by 9 AM Mass. I expect that after the service is over and I’ve visited with friends over donuts and juice, I’ll tackle the afternoon obligations of errands or home projects. All too soon, Monday morning will arrive, and my work week will commence again.

When asked to write a reflection on the Sabbath, I spent a few weeks trying to determine what the Sabbath means to me. I was surprised to find a schism between the Sabbath of my youth and the Sabbath of my adult life. The Sabbath of my youth entailed going to church, having a big family lunch, and playing outside until lightning bugs twinkled back at the stars. The Sabbath of my youth was much more than an hour of Mass and a quick visit with friends; it was a day of worship, of family, and of renewal. I know that as a child I had few of the responsibilities I have now, yet I was surprised to realize that my childhood memories of Sunday events are especially clear and vivid. My early impressions of the importance of the Sabbath have been more long lasting than I knew, and I am delighted to learn this as I reflect on what the Sabbath means to me now.

Prayer:
Lord, you know that a time for rest and spiritual healing is vital - is life giving. You asked us to remember the Sabbath and to make it holy. Give me the insight and the willingness to listen to your guidance, Lord. Thank you for refreshment and renewal.

DeAndra Beck

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