Rest, an act of justice

By Fr Stephan Alexander, General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

“Father, all yuh priests does feel like all yuh is superheroes, eh!”

This comment can be interpreted in many ways, depending on who says it and how they say it.

To me, it came across as a heartfelt gesture, full of love, that humbled and uplifted me. The parishioner who shared this observation had been watching my dedication and the way I often prioritise the needs of others over taking care of myself.

I later learned that many in the parish echoed this sentiment, expressing concern about how much I was taking on and how little I was allowing myself to rest. Their words weren’t intended to celebrate me or flatter me; instead, they served as a gentle reminder that I, too, am human and need to care for myself just as much as I try to care for those around me.

In my homilies, I often share the wisdom that “You can’t give what you don’t have” and “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Yet, it’s easy for someone in my position—and perhaps for many of us—to believe that these truths apply to everyone else except ourselves, the ones called to serve.

This way of thinking can be dangerous. It can lead us to consciously or unconsciously overlook our humanity as we dedicate ourselves to helping others. While this way of thinking recognises the natural human drive to accomplish good work, it can also display a distorted understanding of human worth, suggesting it’s based solely on productivity, namely, what we do or achieve. In doing so, it can turn the concept of rest into something unrecognisable, something that feels unnecessary.

Our Catholic tradition beautifully teaches that resting is an essential part of being human. We don’t rest just to recover or recharge our batteries for more tasks; we rest because it is a fundamental aspect of who we are.

Rest reminds us that the creative activity of God—in which we were invited to cooperate and become co-creators with God—was expressed both in God’s work and in God’s rest.

After all, even God took time to rest after creating the world. His rest was for us, echoing the truth that rest is indeed a necessity. It invites us to acknowledge God as the author of all creation and to look forward to the ultimate joy and rest we will find in the Resurrection.

Rest is also an act of justice—for ourselves, for others, and for the world we inhabit. We are not machines, and we shouldn’t allow ourselves or others to be treated as such.

It’s crucial to recognise the humanity in ourselves and those around us by allowing everyone their right to rest. As human beings, we must embrace the need for rest. This is not only an act of love for ourselves, but also for our community and the world we live in.

I felt truly humbled by and grateful to the parishioners who not only noticed my need for rest but took the time to express their concerns in such a thoughtful way. Furthermore, rest fulfils a spiritual need; it’s a sacred retreat from the often overwhelming demands of everyday life—an opportunity to reconnect with the understanding that everything we do is part of God’s creation.

Taking time to step away from the pressures of work—be it deadlines, goals, or uncertainties—allows us to gain the serenity we need to see life from a different perspective.

Knowing when to disconnect requires us to trust in something greater than ourselves. It helps us frame our work correctly, recognising that humanity’s achievements are a reflection of God’s greatness and a glimpse into His divine plan. Developing adequate self-awareness is important to this task of caring for ourselves. However, to truly appreciate the importance of rest and self-care, the encouragement of others is often vital.

This is why being part of a community is so essential. We rely on one another to spot when we need a break, and in doing so, we strengthen our bonds with family, friends, and even nature.

Rest is not merely a pause; it’s an opportunity for personal growth. Let’s come together and be intentional about making time for this essential aspect of our lives.

The CCSJ asks for your support. Please donate:

Catholic Commission forSocial Justice

Account #: 290 458 025 501

Bank: Republic Bank Ltd.

or you can contact us at:

admin.ccsj@catholictt.org