Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 309

Let us be on our guard

while the promise of entering into his rest remains,

that none of you seem to have failed.

Some scholarly theologian -- probably working toward a Phd -- should write a dissertation about how the saints played. We know they worked hard, prayed hard, and fasted hard. We know many of them died hard. But how did they rest and recreate?

One of the monks of the Egyptian desert encouraged his disciples to relax once in a while. A student had been surprised to find the older monks sitting around on a Sunday afternoon, telling stories and laughing. By way of demonstration the spiritual master asked an archer to keep shooting arrows as fast as he could as long as he could. After a few minutes the soldier complained that he was wearing out his shoulder and breaking down his weapon. The teacher then reminded his students there are cycles in human life; if we must work we must also rest periodically.

In today's first reading the Author of Hebrews reflects upon the rest that God has promised us, and the vigilance we must maintain until that day comes. He recalls that some of their spiritual ancestors enjoyed the promise but were not granted the reward;

...but the word that they heard did not profit them,

for they were not united in faith with those who listened.

He goes on to say,

Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest,

so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.

It seems the invitation to "enter that rest" is especially difficult for some people. It is a chore they'd do without. Sometimes disciples must Let go and let God give them new strength, courage and confidence as they relax. Play, rest, relaxation, laughter, humor, sleep: these are also works of faith for they demonstrate our willingness not to be in charge, not to control everything and everyone around us. Sometimes people plan great vacations but when they get there they're just as busy and harassed as they were at home and in the office. They have a morbid fear of letting be.

Another spiritual master says: "Quit trying! Quit trying not to try! Quit quitting!" It takes both faith and practice but it  makes life far more satisfying.

The English poet and Episcopal priest, George Herbert,  playing with the various meanings of the word rest, says it very well, in a wonderful poem,

The Pulley:

When God at first made man,

Having a glass of blessings standing by,

“Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can.

Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie,

Contract into a span.”

So strength first made a way;

Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure.

When almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,

Rest in the bottom lay.

“For if I should,” said he,

“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,

He would adore my gifts instead of me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;

So both should losers be.

“Yet let him keep the rest,

But keep them with repining restlessness;

Let him be rich and weary, that at least,

If goodness lead him not, yet weariness

May toss him to my breast.”