A Sunday Thought to Start the Week Off Right
Hard to believe, but it's Labor Day weekend and with it the effective end of summer. That was fast! But isn't that always the case as we wrap up another summer?
For those of us still attending school, if we're not already in class, we will be soon. Those of us working will likely find the pace pick up this coming week. Kiss that late summer respite good-bye. It's time to get back in the saddle.
With our thoughts of getting back to a faster, more challenging pace, let's remember the role Sunday can and should play in our lives throughout the year. For those of us with demanding schedules, whether at school, at work, in the home - wherever - Sunday can provide that little island of peace in the midst of the daily grind. And, just as the Lord rested on the seventh day, He provides a Sunday Sabbath for us to do the same.
We know this, of course. But are we observing Sunday in this spirit?
To be clear here, I'm not recommending a qualified list of acceptable activities consistent with the Sabbath. For instance, Orthodox Jews observe their Saturday Sabbath quite strictly. They won't perform anything remotely connected with labor, including cooking a meal. For them, the Sabbath stands out as a day unlike the other six.
While we Catholics don't follow a strict formula, if Sunday has melded into "the weekend," it's hard to see anything special about it, even if do attend Mass (which, of course, many Catholics do not anymore). While there's nothing wrong with catching up on personal items on weekends, getting in some extra (or maybe our only) physical exercise, going out with friends, or even a bit of binge-watching on Netflix, we need some time and space that's not just about us. Make some time for God: It's His Day, after all.
In a sense, it comes down to self-renunciation, the first step in turning our minds and hearts to God, who gave us the Sabbath in the first place. We need to make space for God and Sunday's the time to do that if we're not doing it consistently each day. The fact is, God created us and everything around us. Without His constant solicitous attention, we would simply cease to exist. Doesn't it make sense to at least acknowledge His Holy Presence, never mind strive to grow closer to Him?
And in that spirit, here's some direction and encouragement to help those of us who could use some special motivation:
“If you want to find God in everything, you must quit self. If you want to acquire the love of Jesus, renounce self-indulgence always. All that you cut off from self-love and self-satisfaction you give to divine love. This is the doctrine of universal renunciation, and perhaps it arouses in you, who are still imperfect, a sentiment of fear. But you need not be afraid; only the beginning is hard; by degrees you will reach the more serene and peaceful ways that lead to holiness.
How is this universal renunciation to be practiced? Live in the present moment only; occupy yourself entirely in fulfilling your duties calmly, without eagerness and without loitering; but during your occupations, be on watch for occasions to give pleasure to Jesus, Who works, prays, and lives in you. When the opportunity of making a little sacrifice arises, such as mortification of the taste, of an inclination, of a whim, of self-will, of judgment, or of curiosity – seize the occasion with eagerness, then quietly continue on your way. Many opportunities for sacrifice will, doubtless, escape, but do not worry; Jesus does not yet ask these; otherwise He would suggest them. Among those privations you perceive some may appear to you to be too painful, and perhaps you neglect them. That is an infidelity towards Jesus: you must own up to it, and make a resolution to be more generous. Pray earnestly to the Divine Master to give you the desire and the strength to make these sacrifices.
Sometimes you will be in doubt as to whether Jesus asks for certain acts or not: in this case, lose no time wondering; do whichever of the two things you wish, but do it for love; for, if you really love, your heart will always be inclined, in these doubtful cases, to take what is less agreeable. However, if you are subject to anxiety, you can sometimes take what pleases you most, personally, not for personal satisfaction, but in order not to lose your liberty of spirit and sense of spiritual balance. This renunciation of self should be accomplished without constraint and even with gaiety of heart. ‘God loves of cheerful giver.’ (II Cor. 9:7)” (Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R.)
We can and should, of course, apply Father's words not only on the Sabbath but every day. But if we're not doing that consistently yet, Sunday gives us a chance to make a new beginning in our relationship with God. Take advantage of it.
Happy Sunday!
For those of us still attending school, if we're not already in class, we will be soon. Those of us working will likely find the pace pick up this coming week. Kiss that late summer respite good-bye. It's time to get back in the saddle.
With our thoughts of getting back to a faster, more challenging pace, let's remember the role Sunday can and should play in our lives throughout the year. For those of us with demanding schedules, whether at school, at work, in the home - wherever - Sunday can provide that little island of peace in the midst of the daily grind. And, just as the Lord rested on the seventh day, He provides a Sunday Sabbath for us to do the same.
We know this, of course. But are we observing Sunday in this spirit?
To be clear here, I'm not recommending a qualified list of acceptable activities consistent with the Sabbath. For instance, Orthodox Jews observe their Saturday Sabbath quite strictly. They won't perform anything remotely connected with labor, including cooking a meal. For them, the Sabbath stands out as a day unlike the other six.
While we Catholics don't follow a strict formula, if Sunday has melded into "the weekend," it's hard to see anything special about it, even if do attend Mass (which, of course, many Catholics do not anymore). While there's nothing wrong with catching up on personal items on weekends, getting in some extra (or maybe our only) physical exercise, going out with friends, or even a bit of binge-watching on Netflix, we need some time and space that's not just about us. Make some time for God: It's His Day, after all.
In a sense, it comes down to self-renunciation, the first step in turning our minds and hearts to God, who gave us the Sabbath in the first place. We need to make space for God and Sunday's the time to do that if we're not doing it consistently each day. The fact is, God created us and everything around us. Without His constant solicitous attention, we would simply cease to exist. Doesn't it make sense to at least acknowledge His Holy Presence, never mind strive to grow closer to Him?
And in that spirit, here's some direction and encouragement to help those of us who could use some special motivation:
“If you want to find God in everything, you must quit self. If you want to acquire the love of Jesus, renounce self-indulgence always. All that you cut off from self-love and self-satisfaction you give to divine love. This is the doctrine of universal renunciation, and perhaps it arouses in you, who are still imperfect, a sentiment of fear. But you need not be afraid; only the beginning is hard; by degrees you will reach the more serene and peaceful ways that lead to holiness.
How is this universal renunciation to be practiced? Live in the present moment only; occupy yourself entirely in fulfilling your duties calmly, without eagerness and without loitering; but during your occupations, be on watch for occasions to give pleasure to Jesus, Who works, prays, and lives in you. When the opportunity of making a little sacrifice arises, such as mortification of the taste, of an inclination, of a whim, of self-will, of judgment, or of curiosity – seize the occasion with eagerness, then quietly continue on your way. Many opportunities for sacrifice will, doubtless, escape, but do not worry; Jesus does not yet ask these; otherwise He would suggest them. Among those privations you perceive some may appear to you to be too painful, and perhaps you neglect them. That is an infidelity towards Jesus: you must own up to it, and make a resolution to be more generous. Pray earnestly to the Divine Master to give you the desire and the strength to make these sacrifices.
Sometimes you will be in doubt as to whether Jesus asks for certain acts or not: in this case, lose no time wondering; do whichever of the two things you wish, but do it for love; for, if you really love, your heart will always be inclined, in these doubtful cases, to take what is less agreeable. However, if you are subject to anxiety, you can sometimes take what pleases you most, personally, not for personal satisfaction, but in order not to lose your liberty of spirit and sense of spiritual balance. This renunciation of self should be accomplished without constraint and even with gaiety of heart. ‘God loves of cheerful giver.’ (II Cor. 9:7)” (Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R.)
We can and should, of course, apply Father's words not only on the Sabbath but every day. But if we're not doing that consistently yet, Sunday gives us a chance to make a new beginning in our relationship with God. Take advantage of it.
Happy Sunday!
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