Come to Me and Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11,28).

Across the world, people pause at different times for holidays. Schools and universities close. Many take leave from work to rest, spend time with family, or explore the beauty of nature and historic places. These moments of pause remind us that we were not created solely for work. Our labor should serve the deeper growth of the human person and of all humanity.

Even St. Eugene de Mazenod emphasized the value of rest. Writing to Fr. Mye on 7 September 1826, he said, “In the plans you propose to me, I do not see any provision for rest. It is as necessary as work… I cannot dispense you from taking the rest that is your due by natural right.” While St. Eugene admired Fr. Mye’s zeal for evangelizing the poor mountain communities, he made it clear that rest is not optional, it’s essential.

Rest Is Trust

Taking a break is not a waste of time. It is an act of faith. To rest is to say, “I do not have to carry the world alone. I can entrust my cares to God.” As Jesus reminded his disciples, “Do not worry about what you will eat or wear” (see Mt 6,26). Rest encourages us to relinquish control and place our trust in divine providence. Sometimes, the drive to overwork can reveal a deeper fear, a struggle to trust. But Scripture and the example of our saints remind us that human beings are not made for work. Work is made for us.

A Time for Renewal

The members of the Central Government, in the midst of their many responsibilities, remember this too. Some are visiting Oblate units or participating in assemblies. Others are spending time with family, returning to their countries of origin, or simply allowing their bodies and souls to rest. God rested on the seventh day. We, too, are invited to pause in order to bless the Creator for the gift of creation and to receive his peace.

By Antoni Bochm, OMI – Vicar General

Published on the OMI World website.