Sabbath
AM Psalm 38 • PM Psalm 119:25-48
Lam. 2:8-15 • 1 Cor. 15:51-58 • Matt. 12:1-14
Today’s Gospel reading is about the Sabbath. Jesus challenged the prevalent idea of the Sabbath at the time, arguing the point is not to do nothing at all, but to take time to rest and do good. We all need rest and a mental reset. The Sabbath is a time to set priorities and to return to a God-centered perspective. In our modern society, most of us move from one task to the next at full speed. The Sabbath to me is not necessarily taking Saturday or Sunday to rest, but intentionally creating time to breathe.
As a medical student, Sunday is usually a big study day for me. I’m always working, yet I try to give myself extra grace and fluidity on the weekend. Sunday I try to make an effort to spend time with God whether that’s at church, on a run, or intentional time on my porch. I try to set intentions for the week and rest, but my Sundays always include work. God doesn’t want us to get caught up in the details of a rigid rest day. For the vast majority of us, adhering to a full day of rest rarely seems like a possibility. I urge you to think about where and when you feel most connected to God and prioritize that. Set aside some time, even if it’s just a few moments, to be your Sabbath. Rest, do something good, move your body, allow yourself to hear yourself think. Often we try to drown the noise and worries that come with our hectic lives with tv, news, and music. I encourage you to take time to really slow down and listen to what your inner voice has to say. You never know, you may find God below there.
Written by Hadley Thomas
Hadley graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a biochemistry degree in December and has spent the spring semester working as a staff assistant in the U.S. Senate. She was recently commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and began medical school at the Uniformed Services University in August. She is passionate about her faith and is excited to share her perspective and interpretations with the amazing congregation of Saint Paul’s.