Regaining Perspective: Vacation, Labor Day and the Lord’s Day

On Labor Day, we give thanks for all those who labor, especially physical laborers and public servants. This year, we also honor those who gave their lives in service of our country and our allies – this week, and throughout the war in Afghanistan and beyond. Between the abrupt and painful end to our nation’s longest war, and the horrendous damage caused by Hurricane Ida along the gulf coast and beyond, I have noticed many people feeling wearied by all the news. Especially as we are beginning a new school and ministry year, we need the break this long Labor Day weekend provides to regroup, recharge, and reflect.

Thanks to Fr. Lambert and Fr. Bernie covering Masses and our Collaborative staff and volunteer leaders keeping things going, I was able to get a week of vacation recently and spent it with my family. This was especially enjoyable since my brother Mike was home from L.A. for the first time since the pandemic hit, so it was great to give him a hug again! Getting away for a time reminded me that vacations and holidays are not just about a chance to relax or have fun, but we need them to truly recreate (that is, to be re-created) and be renewed by regaining a sense of perspective. It can be hard to see the big picture when we are “in the thick of things” (like being in pea soup). With all of our work/school, home/yard work, and our regular commitments of volunteerism, sports, etc., it is important to have some “irregular” days that jar us from our routine just enough to help us stop and reflect a bit.

The Lord’s Day – Sunday for us as Christians – is a gift from God that, among other things, gives us a day each week to take that step back and reflect. Remember what Jesus taught in response to the Pharisees: “The Sabbath is made for Man, not Man for the Sabbath.” Sunday is our weekly “Easter” celebration, a time to thank Jesus for all He has done for us and to share in his Resurrection through the celebration of the Eucharist and the ancient tradition of a day of rest. We don’t need to go to extremes like the Pharisees; sadly, in our culture it is radical enough just to have a day of rest at all! If it is truly necessary for us to work on Sundays (public servants, church ministers, service industry, etc.), we still need to (a) worship the Lord and (b) set aside another day for rest and recreation.

Lord, help us to not forget between holidays the importance of a “day of rest,” but renew us each and every Sunday, Your day… which you give to us as a gift!
- Fr. Joe