SUNDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

18th July, 2021

Jeremiah 23:1-6,

Psms 23,

Eph. 2:13-18,

Mark 6:30-34

IMPORTANCE OF REST

We all need a break from our routine, whatever that routine might be.

In the gospel we find Jesus taking his disciples away together for a period of rest and quiet; “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest awhile. For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves” Mark 6:31-32.

The disciples of Jesus had a busy time; they had gone around many villages teaching, driving away many demons, and healing the sick. They must have been tired.

Jesus suggests a change of pace and of location; he takes them away to a quiet place, where they could rest.

We all need to, momentarily, come away from our everyday cares in order to rest and to be with ourselves

and also to be with the Lord.

Why is resting important?

1. It gives us an opportunity to be with the Lord. For the twelve disciples, the time of rest was a time of reflection in the company of Jesus, a time when they did nothing except be present to each other and to the Lord.

In our own faith life, we all need such desert moments; times when we try to be present to the Lord.

We should try our best to ensure that our busy schedules are tempered with moments of silence, mediation, prayer, recollections, and retreats.

The silent moment can be an opportunity to share with the Lord what has been going on in our lives, just as in the gospel the disciples shared with Jesus all they had been doing and teaching.

2. Heals Your Body

The human body is built to thrive in a series of short sprints. This is why taking a break-even only for a few minutes—can offer you the refresh you need to persevere through your day. Breaks are brief cessations to work, physical exertion, or emotional stress. They promote mental health, boost creativity, increase productivity, promote well-being, reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen relationships. Adequate rest helps our bodies repair and recover.

3. Boosts Creativity

When you take time to rest and relax, you are naturally more creative. Time off helps you refill your reserves. The quiet moments inspire reflection time, allowing you to break through creative barriers.

4. Improves Productivity

Similar to other muscles, your brain is less functional when it's fatigued. You're always more productive after a restful period—; resting sharpens your brain.

Taking time off will allow you to work more efficiently whenever you get back to it. Set aside one day each week to unplug to improve productivity and feel a greater sense of accomplishment.

5. Enhances Decision Making

The term "sleep on it" is accurate because rest improves your ability to make decisions. Working too long without rest reduces your concentration and can depreciate your emotional capacity.

Regularly scheduled breaks—daily and weekly—allows you to refresh your perspective, and in turn, make better decisions.

Rest is only significant when you purposefully do it.

Rest is a fundamental part of the growth in our communion with the Lord. It is also an important part of our success, health, and happiness. There are many distractions in this digital world, and always something (or someone) requiring your attention. No matter what your schedule or task list may look like, resting and unplugging is vital to your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Jesus and his Apostles had moments of rest and prayer, why not me and you?