Nowadays, we think of rest as a sort of “mental health break,” a thing which we grasp at in our exhaustion from the helter-skelter of life but never quite catch. That’s a misrepresentation of this important aspect of the Christian life.
Think of the seventh day of Creation, when God rested from His labors. Genesis reckons six days of divine labor, which shows us the enormity of Creation. Then, on the seventh day—God rested.
Not only did God rest—an act totally unnecessary for Him—but He rendered sacred to Man the day on which He rested and gave it to Man as a gift he must keep.
The Jewish people called this day the Sabbath and kept it on what is now Saturday. However, because Our Lord rose on a Sunday—completing a new creation—we Christians keep Sunday as our day of rest. This expands into important feasts whose solemnities approach that of a Sunday.
The Church considers rest so important that, in addition to attending Mass, she actually commands us to rest from work on Sundays and holydays!
The key to practicing rest as a virtue—as something we should actively, intentionally cultivate—is to see it as a visit with God, a time to rest in Him.
Now, you might ask, “Well, how do I rest?” Good question!
Put aside housework, chores, and errands. Mentally close up shifting thoughts about what needs to be done. Do something you enjoy—reading, getting outdoors, engaging in a hobby.
Consider turning off your phone and iPad for a while. Enjoy your time of rest with God and share it with Him.
Rest is a habit we can cultivate throughout the week, not just on Sundays. Learn how to rest in God every day with Prayers of Rest. This handy book provides guided prayers that help you truly rest, be still, and know that God is here. An enriching handbook for an important part of your spiritual life. Start resting today at The Catholic Company!
