“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
“One day of the week you should ‘keep holy’ (Exod. 20:8): that which is called the Lord’s day, because it is consecrated to the Lord, who on that day arose from the dead, disclosing and giving prior assurance of the general resurrection, when every earthly activity will come to an end. And you must not engage in any worldly activity that is not essential; and you must allow those who are under your authority and those who live with you to rest, so that together you may all glorify Him who redeemed us through His death and who arose from the dead and resurrected our human nature with Himself. You should bring to mind the age to come and meditate upon all the commandments and statutes of the Lord, and you should examine yourself to see whether you have transgressed or overlooked any of them, and you should correct yourself in all ways. On this day you should go to the temple of God and attend the services held there and with sincere faith and a clean conscience you should receive the holy body and blood of Christ. You should make a beginning of a more perfect life and renew and prepare yourself for the reception of the eternal blessings to come.”
Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) was a monk of Mount Athos and later archbishop of Thessalonica in “In Defense of Those who Devoutly Practice a Life of Stillness” in Philokalia V4.349.
Today marks the final post in my look at “examine” in Philokalia, a collection of texts written between the 4th and 15th centuries by spiritual masters. And I feel convicted.
God has given me an apostolic calling, which often means that on the Lord’s Day I am working. Like this day in Melbourne, I will preach morning and night. This means that perhaps the day before or after I need to rest.
I am thankful my Saturday was just that, a restful day.
But I need to improve at encouraging those who are under my authority and those I live to rest. I feel I have simply given them permission and I need to give them direction in this matter.
Anyway, generosity after further examination today appears as soul care.
Do take rest on this Sunday or some day during the week. Direct those under your authority or care to do the same.