Tuesday, August 4, 2020
![sab-rst[1]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/sab-rst1.jpg?w=300&h=186)
Sabbath Rest
We have reflected on a number of occasions in our Noontime journey that it is important to retreat from time to time in order to recoup energy and reorient ourselves. We have looked at the many times the Gospel writers tell us that Jesus goes off, retreats, takes the apostles aside, steps back, is in the temple, prays . . . speaks with God. Yesterday we recalled the simplicity of God’s plan and numbered four steps we might take that bring us to a more intimate and more immediate sense of God in our daily lives. Today we hear about the importance of liturgy and of taking Sabbath time for Sabbath Rest – a time when even God sits back to survey the work of creation . . . and to declare it all good.
The writer of Hebrews calls us back to Psalm 95 to ask: If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. We might better hear this voice of God if we have a soft and open heart that we prepare by exercising it liturgically. We are reminded of a recent article telling us that scientists have discovered how our brains are wired for liturgy http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/our-brains-are-wired-liturgy and so now on a quiet Sunday afternoon . . .
Let us imagine how different our lives might be if on one day of the week the world might stand down from conflict long enough to reflect on our origins and purpose.
Let us imagine how different our lives might be if on one day of the week the world might stand down from greed long enough to give thanks for all we have.
Let us imagine how different our lives might be if on one day of the week the world might put aside jealousy and envy long enough to realize that all that we have we are meant to share.
Let us imagine how different our lives might be if on one day of the week the world might put aside old hatreds and feuds long enough to see that the place to take these burdens is to God alone.
Even God rests . . . so why do we fill every minute of every day with activity? Why do we put off going aside with Jesus to pray a little while? Why do we neglect liturgy so that our brains languish and wither from lack of proper sustenance?
Tomorrow, the Sabbath Reward.
Image from: http://pastorron7.wordpress.com/tag/sabbath/
Adapted from a reflection first written on March 21, 2010.
The Noontimes 