Often in the summer people plan out their vacations and long for a time of rest and refreshment. We all need these times not only to recuperate and relax, but to give our bodies a chance to rest as well. This week’s readings are about finding rest for our souls.
In the first reading, the great prophet Jeremiah tells us that there will be a time when Israel will dwell in peace and security. St. Paul tells the Ephesians that Jesus Himself is our peace and that He preached peace to all both near and far. Finally in the Gospel our Lord tells us that we need to go away by ourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.
Sometimes our lives are so hectic that we don’t know how to sit still and simply be. One of my heroes in the Faith is Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Some of you remember him from television and radio; he was a phenomenal teacher and speaker. He would often talk about an “Hour of Power”. He would spend one hour a day in prayer, usually before the Blessed Sacrament, and would get recharged and refreshed by spending time with the Lord. We need to do this too. It is known as Adoration.
I encourage people to start off small with what I call “moments of power”. Try spending five or ten minutes in silence sitting in front of the Tabernacle and just resting in the presence of God. We don’t need to read or say anything. Simply allow yourself to be alone with the one who made you. In time you can add spiritual reading or other forms of prayer, but try this first and build on it from there.
Also try praising God when you are walking in the woods or on a hike. The reason I share these things with you is because I too need to do them. We all need rest not only for our bodies but for our souls as well. So this week take our Lord’s advice and go away with Him and simply rest for a while. We could all use a little of that.Something to ponder. May God richly bless you always!
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