Have you experienced foregoing a much needed break just to attend to something more urgent? - Daily Reflections February 8,2014

TO REST OR NOT TO REST

 

The Holy Week is most tiring for priests. It means extended rituals, endless confession lines, religious processions and big crowds inside the churches in the heat of summer. At the end of a week of backbreaking activities, we still need to hurdle the Easter events: the Paschal Vigil which ends before midnight, the early salubong at dawn of the following day, and the remaining Easter Sunday Masses. It’s always rigid but fulfilling. And we priests exchange text messages, uplifting one another’s spirits, congratulating everyone for lovingly carrying out our duties during the season, and with a fraternal reminder for each one to take a break — to simply rest.

       After all, the Lord Himself also admonished His disciples to “come away to a deserted place and rest awhile.” He recognized the importance of resting their bodies, minds and hearts, to take stock of themselves or to simply reflect and relax. But not for long.

       When the people learned they were headed to a remote place, they arrived there even before Jesus and the disciples could disembark. It was a perfect “killjoy” moment! It would have sounded so unfair that people were already waiting to be nourished bodily and spiritually even before they could rest. But for Jesus, it was a perfect moment of grace! He could feel the longing of their hearts and would not forego any opportunity to teach and form them. Even if it meant foregoing the break they had planned.

       In today’s Church, there is this unparalleled thirst and hunger for the Word. No doubt that the dawning of the Charismatic Renewal opened the doors and opportunities for people who have become more conscious of their faith. They have never-ending questions about the Bible, and their enthusiasm to learn more posts a great challenge to the present-day pastors and leaders of communities engaged in evangelization and catechesis.

       We, too, are called to journey with the “sheep without a shepherd.” It’s always urgent. There’s hardly time to rest! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you experienced foregoing a much needed break just to attend to something more urgent?

 

Lord Jesus, if I can no longer rest, just give me the strength to do Your will.