Given the way time and lack of time have been issues in my life all year, there is a certain irony in my having written this month's column for the Episcopal Café on Reclaiming the Sabbath.
But we always preach to ourselves, and I think this is an issue for all of us. What the essay addresses more specifically is the Sabbath and the overscheduling of churches, particularly here in the U.S.
Enjoy.
And don't forget to read Luiz's fine piece on religious freedom from yesterday.
5 comments:
That was a lovely article, Jane. It really spoke to me, considering that time has not been on my side this year, either.
I need to start keeping a more consistent Sabbath--even if it can't be on the designated Sabbath day.
Thanks, Kitten. I'm with you in that struggle.
My main point in the article was the overprogramming of churches and the way in which we need to address the struggle for Sabbath systemically and communally, as one of the most countercultural things we can do in this late-capitalist culture.
I hope this starts a conversation... But we shall see. First people have to get some rest. :-)
That was great Jane- and so true.
We do need rest, do we not?
There is an on-going issue in my parish (RC for clarification for readers who do not know me) because mass runs about an hour on Sunday. (Or on Saturday for 4.30pm vigil.)
The prior pastor was dead set on having 45 minute liturgy because "people are busy!"
He was a good man and a decent pastor, but...
Our current pastor is a brilliant homilist and when I say brilliant, I kid you not. Long-winded? Perhaps, I don't notice, the content is typically too gripping.
However, there is a contingent of people who use everything from soccer practice to dinner plans (I mean if you come to 4.30 on Sat plan your dinner accordingly please, we do have 4 liturgies a weekend with one priest!)
Anyway sorry about the rant, I guess I pray about how we find time and how we define what our time needs are around sabbath, prayer and so forth.
Thanks for a thoughtful piece, as always Jane!
Pax my sister,
Fran
Overprogramming extends far beyond the Churches and spills over into our work lives. While it is an ideal to expend ourselves on the needs of others, at some point everyone needs to turn off the phone, leave the cell at home, and focus inwardly for awhile. No programming, no demands. How can God call me if I don't know who he's calling because I'm not there?
Right on, Ken.
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