Our lives, says the Catechism of the Catholic Church, have a “rhythm of work and rest” (CCC, 2184). Every day we should take some time for a little break—a “mini-Sabbath,” if you will. We need to pull back for a moment from our daily stresses and routines to ease our minds and bodies. Take a walk, read, soak in a tub, hit a few golf balls, listen to music, etc. Getaway vacations are important occasionally, too, even if one only travels an hour away from home. The point is to allow oneself time to nurture the heart, mind, and body.
The Apostles Rest
Even Christ tells his apostles it is okay to take a break. After performing many miracles in Jesus’ name in Mark’s gospel, the apostles are amazed, exhausted, and hungry. They hadn’t even had time to eat. Seeing this, Jesus says to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). Scripture then informs us that the apostles proceed by boat to a deserted place by themselves alone (Mk 6:31-32).
Prayerful Rest
Taking time to pray is essential in our daily lives, as well. This can be incorporated into one’s daily “mini-vacation” or by sitting quietly alone in a room. Prayer is nothing more than conversation with God. It does not need to be comprised of formal prayers (though it certainly can be); rather, it is communication with God and prayer from one’s heart that is most important.
I have found saying the Rosary to be extremely beneficial in daily prayer. I pray it to Our Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and voila! —Our Lady takes care of whatever I’m concerned about. It may not always be immediate and/or the way I wish whatever I am praying for to go, but, often, it is. Regardless, I know that putting it into Our Mother’s capable hands, which she presents to her Son, provides it will be taken care of in the best way possible.
We should be respectful of each other’s need to take a little daily “R & R”. It may be for only five or ten minutes, but pulling back from one’s daily schedule to talk with God and to rest one’s mind may be just enough to feel better physically and mentally, to gain a new perspective on a problem or situation, and to benefit from newfound peace.
(To learn how to pray the Rosary, click here.)
