In my youth, all the stores were closed on Sunday, except a small local store that sold the Sunday newspaper and freshly baked foods, such as hot hams and rolls. They closed by 1 p.m., so my Mom sent us right after church to get our Sunday essentials. Later in the afternoon, my Dad might take us for a ride to visit relatives, or they came to us. Sunday was different; it was special, and I loved it!
Nowadays. regular commerce continues on Sunday; most everything is open. It’s tempting to make it a catchall day to finish up the chores and errands we didn’t finish during the week.
It’s a discipline to keep the Sabbath in today’s world. Yet, even in our most busy times, the Sabbath allows for a pause, a going within, a recharging of our batteries from the Divine Source. The Sabbath truly is a delight, and if we keep it well, we begin the week refreshed and back in right relationship with God.
Thank you, Jennifer, for this reflection. I remember those days well. Let us bring Christ's friendship to others! Little by little, our actions and words will reveal what God's mercy looks like.
Great reflection, Jennifer . Thank you for spurring on those precious childhood memories of Special family Sundays. The only thing that was not fun was when I heard the song at the beginning of “Lassie” at 6:00 pm and then I’d say, “ Darn, school tomorrow!” But I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. RIP Mom and Daddy, miss you both so much. Love and Happy First Sunday of Lent to all the Living Faith Family. Prayers for all who have special needs and praying for your husband, Jane. Hope his MRI reveals the source of his pain.
Amen. :)
Great reflection, Jennifer. As a baby boomer growing up in the '50s I have fond memories of those Sundays. Family meals after Mass, visits with grandparents and cousins, light traffic and empty parking lots. Later in the day came Walter Cronkite, Ed Sullivan and GE Theater with Ronald Reagan.
Amen!
Jennifer yes I remember those Sundays when nothing was open as a teenager I hated them. Now it's a special day for me. Time for adoration chaple that is available in a neighboring parish 24/7. One or two hours spent doing special prayers and mainly listening to the Lord. That's the hardest part. Living faith family please keep praying for Dennis and Shelly and Debbie and Anna and Terry and her niece Amy. Scoop and Ed and Catherine are in my prayers Ken
*** The Sabbath was established for men (you and I) by God in Mark 2:27-28, “Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath day was made for man. Man was not made for the Sabbath day. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.” *** Sabbath was not established to be a burden in Matthew 12:1-5, “One Sabbath day Jesus walked through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry. So they began to break off some heads of grain and eat them. The Pharisees saw this. They said to Jesus, “Look! It is against the Law to do this on the Sabbath day. But your disciples are doing it anyway!” Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read about what David did? He and his men were hungry. So he entered the house of God. He and his men ate the holy bread. Only priests were allowed to eat it. Haven’t you read the Law? It tells how every Sabbath day the priests in the temple have to do their work on that day. But they are not considered guilty!” *** Don’t think I am doing God a favor in observing Sabbath in Matthew 2:6-8, “I tell you that something more important than the temple is here. Scripture says, ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Hosea 6:6) You don’t know what those words mean. If you did, you would not bring charges against those who are not guilty. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath day.” ******* I should do this or that on Sabbath…I shouldn’t do this or that on Sabbath! Have you thought about everyday can be a Sabbath because God is the Lord of my everyday?!?!?! Have you thought about everyday can be Lent because Jesus is the Lord of my everyday?!?!?!
Good morning L.F.F. I hope Everyone has a Beautifully Blessed Sunshiny weekend God bless us Everyone on here and the World. Thank you Salina for always sharing your great writings, they resonate with Me and get my 64 year brain going. Thank you to All in here for writing and responding. Much love and respect, Sunshine.
Happy Saturday Salina, so glad everything is working out for Jessi and her living situation. We gotta keep trusting in Our Lord, right? So sorry to hear about your friend’s son. Just unimaginable. My prayers go out to their whole family. That boy is with Our Lord and in complete comfort and Love.
Did you know that breaking the “Sabbath” law was when the Pharisees first started to plot taking Jesus down? Luke 6:6-11, “On another Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue and was teaching. A man whose right hand was weak and twisted was there. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were trying to find fault with Jesus. So they watched Him closely. They wanted to see if He would heal on the Sabbath day. But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He spoke to the man who had the weak and twisted hand. “Get up and stand in front of everyone,” He said. So the man got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “What does the Law say we should do on the Sabbath day? Should we do good? Or should we do evil? Should we save life? Or should we destroy it?” He looked around at all of them. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his hand had been made as good as new. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were very angry. They began to talk to one another about what they might do to Jesus!”
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." Amen
Miguel Very Nice Prayer! Very Meaningful!
Thank you Miguel for your inspiring prayer.... you covered all bases for a holy life
Thank you Miguel, for another beautiful and inspiring prayer this morning. I look forward to them every day.
Well stated. Sundays were special and unique. The car needed to be washed Saturday...no servile work on Sunday. It was a day for Mass, prayer, relatives, relaxation, walks in the park and honoring God. We've lost something.
Amen
Amen :)
Saturday is our Sabbath day. 4 pm mass. Then a nice dinner and minimal activities.
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.