A DAY OF REST

Mark 2:27
"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath…”
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Due to increase in orders, my former company has to increase the working hours. This was done not by increasing the overtime hours, but by increasing the number of crews (operator teams) and making Sunday as working day. Hence, the operations became 24/7. In effect, the rest day of some employees may not necessarily fall on a Sunday. Three crews would have to come to office and work on what is supposed to be the rest day.

If the Pharisees still exist today, they would probably scoff at this idea, and exclaim, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” like what they always charge Jesus and his disciples.

Yes, the Sabbath was made for man – it is our time to recharge, to energize our body, mind and spirit – to cultivate our familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. It provides us time to commune with God through worship, prayer, song, the study of His Word, through sharing the gospel with others, and fellowship with people and nature. It provides opportunity to experience God’s presence through companionship in a special way. We were made for companionship with God.

But, man is not only created for the Sabbath. Jesus, while observing the Sabbath, set himself in word and act against this absurd laws which made man a slave of the day. Basically, he is against these laws that put intolerable burden on men’s shoulders rather that on observing the Sabbath. It is NOT broken in cases of necessity (work, do labor) or charity (heal the sick, feeding the hungry). For caring for the needy is obeying the will of the Lord, who Himself, is the “Lord of the Sabbath”. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for rest and divine worship.

Lord Jesus, give me rest. I offer you this day and all the moments of this week, and I implore you to keep me safe from sin. To this end I place myself in your sacred side and under the mantle of our Lady, my Mother. Let your holy angels surround us with peace; and let your blessing be upon us always.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.