Finding Sabbath
The 21st Century has brought renewed emphasis on Sabbath. We all require sabbath for our spiritual, and general, well-being.
Sabbath is about rest. Our musicians will tell us music without "rest notes" would be unbearable. We are all designed for rest.
Obviously, God knew something about this.
In Genesis, we read:
“ Thus, the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV)
All that God created requires time to be rejuvenated—to have a time of rest.
Now, in 2025, we must renew our commitment to rest.
The world has been caught up on the “Treadmill of Busy.” Our lifestyles demand “more” each and every day—so much so that we have built into our lives a sense of guilt if we stop for a break. In today’s society most people carry cell phones and stay connected 24/ 7 to demands of society. If it is not about work, then it is about social life, or parenting.
We are constantly on the run! Clergy included. How many of us take regular time off?
Recently, our diocesan Vacation Policy has changed. A former practice of carrying-over weeks of vacation time is no longer permitted for the diocesan clergy and employees. A carry-over of one week only will be permitted, and that is with the bishop’s approval.
I am in full agreement with this change. I have always been a proponent of taking allotted vacation time.
Statistics show that when people have regular sabbath-time built into their routines, a decrease in illness or burn-out, and an increase in overall general well-being results. We NEED regular rest to avoid becoming cynical or emotionally exhausted.
God commands us to observe at least one day of rest in each seven. The modern ideal advises regular times of sabbath. Regular rhythms of rest (sabbath) will promote better balance in ourliving. If we are honest with ourselves, we all need this.
Work is good. And rest is good. We need both.
Let us ensure that our Pilgrimage this Lent provides us time for sabbath.
Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+
