The Importance of Sabbath

Happy Labor Day weekend, everybody!

While we take this time to rest and celebrate the end of Summer, the idea of Sabbath popped into my head. Especially the importance of rest and how God commands us to do so.

Working with families of teens, I’m starting to get a grasp of the busy schedules that we have on weekends. Whether it’s sports or work, it just seems like we can never get a break. And I know that this can bring about anxiety at times. I know that we all have legitimate goals that need to be accomplished and these should not be downplayed. But I also believe that God knows that rest is important in understanding our relationship with him. It may take some creative ways to find rest, but I know God really wants us to so we can experience Him fully.

God specifically wants us to rest with Him. Why? Because it helps us to see how loving He is. It helps us to see that God is always present, especially in the times that are peaceful. It is even said it scripture, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Through rest, peace is illuminated and we understand who God is. It is through rest that we can learn to worship even more fully.

I try to spend as much time in Eucharistic Adoration as possible. It has become easier for me to adore Christ in the Eucharist because it has become a time of rest for me. Sometimes when I pray, I have a glorified task list (pray the rosary, read scripture, written intentions, etc.). And while these things are very good, I’ve realized that I sometimes felt like it was a chore. To change this, I’ve taken some advice from some holy people who really showed me the importance of rest in Adoration. This has changed my perspective drastically and has allowed me to pray those things in my task list with more fervor.

I invite you to rest on this Labor Day weekend and on our Sabbath. Not just so we can refuel and go back into the “real world,” but so we can also see the importance of rest to allow God to speak through us.

It’s through peace, not anxiety, that we are able to see
God. Allow yourself some rest on Sunday, you need it.
Be still and allow Him to love you.


God Bless,


​
Brett Becker
Youth and Young Adult Minister 

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