Priestly Ponderings …
Recently, I have somehow developed a seemingly voracious appetite for fiction and non-fiction books. From the hilarity of Mark Schweizer’s nine book Liturgical Mysteries (now there’s an ACE study series in the making!) to Rob Bell’s fascinating theological viewpoint and discussion in Love Wins; taking time to ingest written word has become a wonderful respite from the hectic activities all of us face each day. There is something intentional about turning off the television and finding some quiet time to read. It is almost a sacred moment of connection or reconnection to be cherished, sought after, and embraced.
This appetite for reading has caused me to reflect on my own on-going journey of faith. Like many of you, I suppose, I, too, find myself longing for a more tangible sense of the sacred; a renewing sense of being in the presence of something holy and intriguing; a deeper expression of God with us and in us. In many ways this longing is for a true observance of Sabbath rest. Not simply in attending worship services as key as that is to Sabbath observance, but even more so, a Sabbath that engages a deepening of our relationship with God and each other.
Unfortunately, we now live in a 7-days per week society where a day off – commonly misconstrued as a Sabbath – is spent playing catch up on a growing list of “to do” projects and activities. I am reminded of the creation story where God rests on the 7th day, not because God was tired out, but rather, to revel in and appreciate that which was created. A doctor friend of mine commenting on our propensity for working 60-70-80 hour weeks said, “I’ve never had a patient on his deathbed say, ‘Gee. I wish I’d spent more time at work.’” Sobering words about the busyness of our lives.
Senator Joe Lieberman, in his book, The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath (a book I highly recommend to you all), notes “our culture is time starved: we race through our hectic days, desperately wishing for more time with family, friends, and ourselves, as the hands of the clock whir around the hours at ever-increasing speed. But the truth is, our bodies and souls were created to rest – regularly – and when they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health, and more meaningful relationships.” Lieberman continues, “The Sabbath … engages the senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – with beautiful settings, soaring melodies, wonderful food and wine, and lots of love. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends – and, of course, with God, the Creator of everything we have time to ‘sense’ on the Sabbath. Sabbath observance is a gift …”
As the fall months begin to emerge with colorful leaves, parish opportunities for learning and sharing, and planning for the holiday season (Advent and Christmas will be here before we know it), I invite you to seek ways to recapture that sense of the holy and sacred found in the observance of a Sabbath here on Sunday mornings, in time alone, with family and with friends. And in that observance, may you find rest for your soul.
Yours in service to the Gospel
Allan +
Recently, I have somehow developed a seemingly voracious appetite for fiction and non-fiction books. From the hilarity of Mark Schweizer’s nine book Liturgical Mysteries (now there’s an ACE study series in the making!) to Rob Bell’s fascinating theological viewpoint and discussion in Love Wins; taking time to ingest written word has become a wonderful respite from the hectic activities all of us face each day. There is something intentional about turning off the television and finding some quiet time to read. It is almost a sacred moment of connection or reconnection to be cherished, sought after, and embraced.
This appetite for reading has caused me to reflect on my own on-going journey of faith. Like many of you, I suppose, I, too, find myself longing for a more tangible sense of the sacred; a renewing sense of being in the presence of something holy and intriguing; a deeper expression of God with us and in us. In many ways this longing is for a true observance of Sabbath rest. Not simply in attending worship services as key as that is to Sabbath observance, but even more so, a Sabbath that engages a deepening of our relationship with God and each other.
Unfortunately, we now live in a 7-days per week society where a day off – commonly misconstrued as a Sabbath – is spent playing catch up on a growing list of “to do” projects and activities. I am reminded of the creation story where God rests on the 7th day, not because God was tired out, but rather, to revel in and appreciate that which was created. A doctor friend of mine commenting on our propensity for working 60-70-80 hour weeks said, “I’ve never had a patient on his deathbed say, ‘Gee. I wish I’d spent more time at work.’” Sobering words about the busyness of our lives.
Senator Joe Lieberman, in his book, The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath (a book I highly recommend to you all), notes “our culture is time starved: we race through our hectic days, desperately wishing for more time with family, friends, and ourselves, as the hands of the clock whir around the hours at ever-increasing speed. But the truth is, our bodies and souls were created to rest – regularly – and when they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health, and more meaningful relationships.” Lieberman continues, “The Sabbath … engages the senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – with beautiful settings, soaring melodies, wonderful food and wine, and lots of love. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends – and, of course, with God, the Creator of everything we have time to ‘sense’ on the Sabbath. Sabbath observance is a gift …”
As the fall months begin to emerge with colorful leaves, parish opportunities for learning and sharing, and planning for the holiday season (Advent and Christmas will be here before we know it), I invite you to seek ways to recapture that sense of the holy and sacred found in the observance of a Sabbath here on Sunday mornings, in time alone, with family and with friends. And in that observance, may you find rest for your soul.
Yours in service to the Gospel
Allan +
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