By Monsignor John J. Oliveira
Herald News Columnist
Posted Aug 04, 2012 @ 12:23 AM
In the past, the first two weeks of July were known as vacation weeks as factories closed. Vacation time now is varied and sporadic throughout the year.
Each company handles their vacation policy differently. Some services cannot close for two weeks, so a staggered work force is the best solution.
It does seem odd, but the national trend is that people do not take vacations or time off. Even if people are away from the workplace, many remain connected through technological advances. The cellphone is the prime example.
The cellphone has made us so available that it can become an intrusion on our life, or our prayer. Although we ask people in church to turn off their cellphones so as “not to disturb our time of prayer,” occasionally someone gets a call. The ringing phone penetrates the prayerful silence.
While certainly necessary, modern technological inventions have quickened the pace of life. Stress is a very common illness and the use of medicine to help people relax from the routine of work is on the increase.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines vacation as: “A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest or relaxation; especially, such a period during which a working person is exempt from work but collects his pay.”
God gave us an example of what we should do. Exodus 20:11 tells us: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” This quote not only sets aside the Sabbath as a day of the Lord, but as a day of rest. Sunday is a day of rest and prayer. As a day shared with family members, it is now rare. The obligation to honor the Lord’s Day remains as mandate from God.
The story of Creation in the bible reminds us that even God Himself, on the seventh day of creation, rested. One of the Ten Commandments reminds us of the necessity of worshiping God and keeping holy the Sabbath: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work” (Ex. 20: 8-10).
While the Jewish religion continues to keep holy the Sabbath (Saturday), the Catholic Church celebrates the day of rest and worship of God on Sunday. Sunday is the fulfillment of the Sabbath.
In No. 2190 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church — CCC — it says: “The Sabbath, which represented the completion of the first creation, has been replaced by Sunday which recalls the new creation inaugurated by the Resurrection of Christ.”
The CCC explains it in this manner: Jesus rose from the dead “on the first day of the week.” Because it is the “first day,” the day of Christ’s Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the “eighth day” following the Sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ’s Resurrection. For Christians, it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord’s Day — Sunday” (2174).
With the obligation to observe the Sabbath, we also have the command to rest. Human life has a rhythm of work and rest. Our Holy Father has said: “The institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone to enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social and religious lives” (Gaudium et Spes).
Some of you may recall a built-in “vacation day” each week. Sunday was a day for church and prayer. But it also was a time to share a family meal. It was a day to visit relatives. It was a day to rest and enjoy creation and all the good things God has provided for us.
The “Sunday blue laws” assisted to the extent that stores were not open. It was easier because malls or mega grocery stores did not exist. You were allowed to get needed supplies, but you were not encouraged to spend the day shopping.
Today, shopping might be considered recreation and not work. The entire concept of no work on Sunday to keep it sacred has evaporated.
When we see where we have come, we begin to realize how the church had it all right in the first place. The rhythm of the week included, not only praise of God but also rest.
A TV celebrity was brought into the hospital with a mysterious ailment. To be on the safe side, the Sisters called the chaplain. The celebrity was taken aback when the priest came in with his stole. “I’m afraid there’s been a mistake, Father,” he protested. “I’m just here for a little while.”
“That’s all right,” replied the priest blandly, “we’re all here for just a little while.”
Enjoy the “little while” you are here. Rest, praise the Lord. If you go on vacation this summer, enjoy it. Leave work behind. We’re here for just a little while.
God bless you!
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