The beginning of a year has always been a great time to reflect on how we are living and making resolutions to help us attain goals – perhaps to be healthier, have a greater work-life balance, and to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ. Let us take time today to reflect on what Jesus boldly proclaimed to the Pharisees: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” -Mk 2:28. Ponder: How am I living the Sabbath?
During the past few years of my life, I have come to reflect more and more on the Sabbath. While I grew up in a devout Catholic home, going to daily Mass throughout my entire childhood and teen years, I do not recall much emphasis on how we lived our Sundays. Once I was married with children and working, admittedly Sundays (besides attending Mass) became an extra day to get things done that often were ignored during the work week. Sometimes we would plan a nice activity to do as a family, but the busier life got, the more I found we were trying to squeeze in grocery shopping, cleaning, or other errands. Ultimately, as long as we got to Mass (which we always did), I honestly did not think too much about it.
But Jesus says something pretty radical here – the Sabbath was created for man. It was created with us in mind! It is a gift! So, besides the priority of celebrating the Eucharist at Mass, how should we treat this gift? The Catechism of the Catholic Church has great wisdom to share with us about this gift.
The Gift of the Sabbath: Serve, Silence & Savor
In #2186 of the Catechism is states:
Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs, and the same rights yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.
What beautiful ways to honor the gift by using it to: serve those in need, silence our busy minds and hearts for prayer and reflection, and savor our time with family and friends. To serve those in need could be volunteering at the parish or food bank, but it could also mean cooking a meal for an ill neighbor or family member with the intentionality of loving service. Further, to silence our minds and hearts could be as simple as basking in God’s love in Eucharistic adoration or even on your front porch. To savor family and friends could be enjoying each other’s company over a cup of coffee or playing board games. Again, perhaps more important than the activity is the attitude and intention of the heart while engaging in the activity.
Grateful Hearts
When one is given a gift, the most natural response is gratitude. So, as we live the Sabbath, we should intentionally cultivate a grateful response to those Christ has placed in our lives.
When first working to intentionally live the Sabbath, you may encounter some challenges. I recall feeling a slight anxiety about getting all the chores done prior to Sunday. Instead of an “I better get this done before Sunday” attitude, it will be more fruitful to adopt a “Let me get ready to fully enjoy this gift God has ready for me.”
As we begin 2024, let us truly celebrate the Sabbath. Resolve to fulfill one small commitment that will help you better appreciate the gift of Sunday and worship the Lord with your whole heart, mind, and soul.
