When I was a teenager, I wanted to sleep in during the summer, but my parents had other ideas—chores. I often heard them say, “You’ll have plenty of time to sleep when you’re dead. Get up and get to work.” In this week’s Gospel passage, though, we hear Jesus telling us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This selection is often used for funerals, so in some people’s minds, rest is equated to death. We will, indeed, rest when we have gone to our eternal reward, but it is good to rest from our labors while we are still alive. I know of many people (especially men) who, after retiring, die within six months to a year because they do not know what to do for themselves; they are unable to relax.
Jesus invites us to rest and relax. While labor is useful and gives us purpose in life, it is not meant to define us. Yet, how often in gatherings does the conversation turn to queries about our occupations? As humans, we have value because of who we are—not what we do.
As children of God, we have been gifted with dignity and worth. Because we are made in the image of God, we strive to be like God in all things. One often-overlooked aspect is that God rested on the seventh day after creation. If rest was necessary for God, how much more is it necessary for us? Jesus often “escaped” from the crowds to get some rest. Sometimes, He had only a few hours on a boat or a mountain. Other times, He left for days or weeks, enjoying a true rest and retreat.
This year, we celebrate 250 years as a nation. Think about the challenges we have faced over that time, but don’t forget that we have had many “restful” years, during which we grew as a country and as Americans. Our nation was built on hard work and strong values, yet there were years when we enjoyed peace and prosperity.
As you celebrate these holidays and enjoy the summer, take some time to rest and relax. Spend some time recreating yourself to be more like God. Think about the gifts and talents that the Creator has given you. Use these days to “be” rather than to “do.” In addition, take the time to give thanks to God for all that you have received as a human, an American, and a Catholic Christian.
The yoke of the Lord is easy, and His burden is light. Allow yourself the luxury of resting and creating space for God to give you peace.
