True Meaning of Rest

A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai on rest, preached at Lyncroft centre, Toronto, on July 2, 2023.

Mark 6, 30-32: "The apostles came back to Jesus. They told him all they had done and taught. Jesus said to them, `Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.' Many people were coming and going. They could not even eat. So they went away in a boat to a lonely place by themselves."

This articulates the promise of Jesus. Matt 11, 28: “Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest”.

It was important that they not stay with his teaching superficially, or remain on the surface. He wanted them deeply formed. To make the Good News truly deeply integrated. They will later have to transmit it to others.  They have to be good transmission lines. What really is the significance of rest? Are we habitually resting? And do we do it well in a way that restores us truly? When burnout is so prevalent, we need to see the true meaning of rest and leisure, and examine its relation to work.

Music: Carlos Gardel, Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink

Thumbnail: Masaccio The Tribute Money, 1424, Brancacci Chapel, Florence.