Enjoying the slow roll of Sunday
I am a huge fan of praying the scripture through Lectio Devina but today’s reading was a bit tough for me to dive into. Seems straight forward – who doesn’t know the 10 Commandments? And really, how hard are they to keep.
Most of us do not contemplate murder, adultery, or theft in our daily lives. As adults, we tend to have a new respect for our parents, honoring them becomes easier with age. Coveting your neighbor’s blessings, putting other people and things before God? In this day and age of keeping-up-with-the-Jones, these can be a bit trickier. But still, most of us are aware of those pitfalls and catch ourselves when they creep into our lives.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Going to church is a good start. But what does it mean to keep this day holy? Why can’t we just celebrate mass on any day of the week that is convenient? What is so important about avoiding work and chores on this day? Isn’t it enough to go to church in the morning? Why does God want me to slow down and take it easy on this day?
My mother grew up on a farm where there was still work to be done on Sundays. However, after the chores were complete and the family had been to mass, Sunday was a day to focus on people and relationship. Families came to visit and meals were languished over with laughter and lively discussions. Sometime in the middle of my childhood, the Blue Laws changed. Restaurants and stores began to open for business. Another day was added to our week when we could accomplish that one last errand or project! Our Sunday plans have changed over the years, and if we are honest, our respect for the day has diminished.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is relationships - both with Him and with others. Sunday is a perfect day to honor that gift. Spending time in communion with our neighbors celebrating the mass is a great start. I challenge each of us to do more. Put down your phone, your laptop, and your chore list. See where the day will take you without any plans. Perhaps a stroll down the block with a neighbor you have not spoken with since the summer. Enjoy the slow roll of Sunday and the people God has blessed you with. Honor and thank Him for the gifts of the past week by stopping and resting in His goodness.
My prayer for each of you is that this Sunday you will feel the blessings of God. You will rest in His presence and feel renewed by your relationships.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Going to church is a good start. But what does it mean to keep this day holy? Why can’t we just celebrate mass on any day of the week that is convenient? What is so important about avoiding work and chores on this day? Isn’t it enough to go to church in the morning? Why does God want me to slow down and take it easy on this day?
My mother grew up on a farm where there was still work to be done on Sundays. However, after the chores were complete and the family had been to mass, Sunday was a day to focus on people and relationship. Families came to visit and meals were languished over with laughter and lively discussions. Sometime in the middle of my childhood, the Blue Laws changed. Restaurants and stores began to open for business. Another day was added to our week when we could accomplish that one last errand or project! Our Sunday plans have changed over the years, and if we are honest, our respect for the day has diminished.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is relationships - both with Him and with others. Sunday is a perfect day to honor that gift. Spending time in communion with our neighbors celebrating the mass is a great start. I challenge each of us to do more. Put down your phone, your laptop, and your chore list. See where the day will take you without any plans. Perhaps a stroll down the block with a neighbor you have not spoken with since the summer. Enjoy the slow roll of Sunday and the people God has blessed you with. Honor and thank Him for the gifts of the past week by stopping and resting in His goodness.
My prayer for each of you is that this Sunday you will feel the blessings of God. You will rest in His presence and feel renewed by your relationships.
Author: Jeanne Howell, Gift Processing, Advancement Department
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