Did You Know

The true meaning of the word ‘vacation’ is related to ‘making a place in our lives for God to fill’! Just as ‘recreation’ means to allow ourselves to be ‘re-created’! Again, looking to God the Creator for that renewal of His creation!

The ‘sanctifying’ of time – the Seventh Day (‘sabbath’ – ‘sabbatical’) is the gift of our loving Creator for this ‘re-creation’ and for opening ourselves (‘vacate’) to experience more deeply the Presence of God.

Two Papal documents spoke about the ‘vital’ importance of observing the Lord’s Day.

In 1998 Pope St. John Paul II wrote the Letter “Dies Domini” (‘The Lord’s Day’) and, drawing from the 3rd Commandment (“Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy”), he spoke about a healthy rhythm of work and prayer, rest and exercise, quiet and activity, which is vitally important in establishing a healthy balance in a person’s life, as well as the life of the family!

In 2015 Pope Francis wrote the Letter “Laudatio Si” (‘Praised be’– from St. Francis of Assisi’s ‘Canticle of the Sun’) and drew the connection between a healthy lifestyle in a healthy environment, which again looks to the Divine plan for balance in a person’s life. Pope Francis shares that creation and re-creation are joined in a way so that God continues the work of His creation in and through each of us!

Both of these Papal letters are well-worth the time to read and study for the insights, drawn from Sacred Scripture, about finding and maintaining ‘balance’ in all areas of our lives.

All of this speaks to a basic human need for ‘balance’, which can only be obtained and maintained in our relationship with God! When was the last time that you simply sat quietly with God and allowed Him to love you? When was the last time that you allowed yourself to experience spiritual renewal and refreshment, perhaps in Adoration?

As we get out and travel this summer enjoy the last few weeks of summer ‘vacation’ before school begins, and be: re-created, re-newed, and re-balanced, beginning with worship and renewal every Lord’s Day!

For your current and eternal health, make a place in the midst of all of the business of life, for God to fill you and draw you more and more into the ‘new Creation’!

This coming week, Deacon Lauro and Lupita, and Fr. Greg are in California to lead the annual Retreat for the Deacons and Wives of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles! This is part of St. Andrew’s “Mission” focus: in providing a time of prayer and ‘re-creation’ for these dedicated Deacons and their wives who are so often partners with their husbands in all areas of ministry! Please pray for the spiritual success of the Retreat!

CONGRATULATIONS to Our Lady of the Mountains Parish celebrating their 35th Anniversary this coming week! This dynamic faith community began as a “mission” of St. Andrew’s to serve the growing population in the southern part of Sierra Vista and Hereford. It was 35 years this month that “the Mission” became a Parish church and Fr. Bob Bryerton was installed as the first Pastor! A very happy celebration, indeed!