I just enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July at my parent’s house with family and friends.  It was a typical Najim cookout: lots of people, lots of food, and lots of fun.  For all intents and purposes, this afternoon was the beginning of my summer reprieve.  I usually take some time in July to enjoy some rest and relaxation with friends.  Priests are never on vacation from priesthood; but, like most people, we do enjoy time away to recharge.

When the apostles returned from being sent out on mission by the Lord, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).  Jesus knew that the apostles were weary from ministry, so He invited them to rest. There is a place for leisure in the Christian life.  Leisure is meant to rejuvenate us so that we can embrace the joys and challenges of life with renewed vigor.

I hope you get some time to rest this summer.  Maybe you’re not going away, but, if you’re able, treat yourself and your family to some extra days off.  In the United States, we tend to feel that we need to work all the time.  Don’t give into this pressure!  Take Jesus’ advice and “rest a while.”

I most likely will not be posting for the next couple of weeks.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for reading Live Holiness.  I feel so blessed to have connected with so many amazing people–Catholic and non-Catholic, from literally all over the world.  I’m grateful for your feedback, your prayers, and your encouragement.  Please know that I do pray for each of you.

God bless you, and continue to enjoy the summer!

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