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Sabbath Time

I think we can learn a lesson from this young fox when it comes to honouring the need for rest whenever and wherever it’s needed. Our busy society seems to honour productivity more so than work/life balance.

When we hear the word “sabbath” we think of a day of rest and worship. The Christian practice of sabbath is grounded in our roots in Judaism and found in various texts in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the creation myth stories, God rested on the seventh day. In the wilderness, sabbath recognizes the gifts and presence of God. As slaves in Egypt, the Israelites acknowledgment of sabbath countered the demand for productivity from the Pharaoh.

In his book, Reverberations of Faith, Walter Brueggemann explains that sabbath practice has both economic and theological dimensions. It is about taking time to rest, and acknowledging a reference point beyond ourselves – rest and worship.

The consumer economy that drives our secular society, emphasizes productivity, growth, and self- sufficiency. Where does sabbath time fit in that picture? What effects does the absence of sabbath time have on us personally and in our communities? Thank goodness for faith communities like ours, and our weekly invitation to stop our usual routines, and gather for worship. However, it doesn’t matter if the sabbath practice happens on a Sunday. It’s the practice of incorporating rest, renewal, and gratitude into our lives that is important, whenever and wherever it happens.

The synagogue leader in this week’s gospel story criticizes Jesus for breaking the sabbath rules to heal a woman in the synagogue. “What is more important,” Jesus might have asked, “healing this woman, or honouring the rules?” I think there are many ways for us to reclaim sabbath time in our lives. The intention of taking time for rest and honouring our relationship with the holy is what is important.

Peace and joy
Nancy