Everybody will agree that our times call for hard work, assiduous labor, and double effort. It should be the case in this period of financial crisis. Businesses are imperiled and even the most powerful countries declare alarm in their economies. As active employees, we know the value of hard work. We are accustomed to problem solving in computer agencies, in the church, in school and in many other fields.
This Sunday’s Gospel shows both the Lord Jesus and his disciples immersed in serious work. They labor hard for the Kingdom. They serve the people with eagerness and total commitment. They are not driven merely by a motivation for success. In fact, Jesus was moved with compassion for the crowds following him like sheep without a shepherd. He was a willing shepherd to the scattered flock. The disciples, too, shared in the burning impetus for the salvation of which they saw in the Lord. Jesus and his disciples were sincere in their work but their work is not to rank as the highest priority of their lives.
The Lord Jesus, in receiving his disciples from their forays into mission, reminds them of the importance of REST, SOLITUDE, AND RECHARGING. Their enthusiasm and success were not opportunities for him to exploit their energies. Rather, He taught them a valuable lesson in hard work, that is, no one can be continually productive without moments of separation from the many preoccupations of the world, moments to gather up energy, and rebuild one’s strength.
By inviting his disciples to rest awhile, Jesus is reminding us that we cannot overextend ourselves and forget the things that matter most. In a deeper way, however, there is a message that modern men and women need to hear. The break, the Gospel advocates, is also an invitation to rest in the Lord. We need to make time for God in our lives. We must remember to keep company with the Lord. To continue being effective at work, we need to ask the help of him from whom all energies flow and from whom all zests spring.
Just as it is important to recreate our energies by relaxing, bonding activities, and enjoyment, we need to continually ignite our hope and confidence through prayer, conversation with God and self-offering to Him. That is why we have the chance for retreats, recollections, seminars, Sunday Mass, and brief but meaningful visits to the Adoration Chapel. Do you avail yourself of these? This week, improve your performance at your work by learning to pause and relax and, most especially, by spending time with the Lord who renews fatigued muscles, tired minds and sapped spirits. REST IN THE LORD! God bless.
#52. AN ANECDOTE ON PERFECT TIMING: In one of my early morning walks, I suddenly stopped to tie my loose shoelaces. While I was doing that. I heard a crashing big sound. A few yards ahead of me, in the direction in which I was going, a huge branch had fallen from a wet mango tree. If I had not stopped, that branch would surely have fallen on me! I don’t know what made me stop so suddenly. Lord, you are close to me. You are always with me in so many ways more than I can know or imagine. Amen.
On the 23rd of July, we celebrate the optional memorial of St. Bridget of Sweden, a great mystic and a prophetess of the 14th century. The feast of St. James, the Great, the brother of St. John, the sons of Zebedee; Apostle of the 1st century is celebrated on the 25th. On the 26th, the memorial of Ss. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of the Lord is celebrated. This is all for now, watch for the next bulletin.
Your Priest-Servant and Parochial Administrator,
Fr. Reggie