There are many tenets of our faith that most consider basic and core to our identity as Catholics and Christians. Even those who are not cradle Catholics can recite many of them with little thought. Follow the golden rule. Honor your father and mother. Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain. Honor the Sabbath.
Earlier this summer Pope Benedict XVI reminded Catholics about that final commandment during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s square, saying that Sunday must be a day of rest for everyone, so people can be free to be with their families and with God.
"By defending Sunday, one defends human freedom," he said.
Prior to entering my working years, I never gave this commandment much thought beyond ensuring that my Sundays included Mass attendance and family time when possible. Now with an overflowing work and social schedule, it’s becoming more difficult than ever before to see the Sabbath day as its intended purpose – for rest.
Just like many aspects of our faith, the concept of rest is simple. We need rest to function, rejuvenate and live a full life. But as we all know, our society demands everything from us but rest. We are asked to be the best in every part of life, which leaves very little room for time with loved ones and with God.
It’s difficult to find rest, which is why we have Sunday, a day designated by our Creator to replenishment physically, emotionally and spiritually for the week ahead. Each of us is called to embrace rest because it’s only through rest that we can hear God’s voice resonating through the noise of life.
It was on the seventh day of the creation story that God stepped away from his work and rested. As Catholics, we are called to do the same. Doing so just may prove crucial to your search for a spouse.
CatholicMatchers, how do you choose to spend your Sundays when you’re enjoying time away from your weekday routine? How are you relaxing this Labor Day weekend?
