How many of us are busier than ever before? Many of us wake up very early and rush through the morning routine in order to get ready for work or school. We leave the house by 8 a.m. and come home late in the afternoon. During the evening, we spend hours at the computer and on the phone. God found the perfect solution: Sunday. 

I read this statement on a website and I would like to share it with you all because it is so powerful: We need church because it's a classroom. We're preparing for a mission. We're enrolled in a course of Christian discipleship for life. (www.christianitytoday.com)

Now let’s reflect upon that powerful statement: Sunday is a day in which tired people need refreshment and renewal. Going to Church is to put us in touch with Jesus in a unique way.  He speaks to us through the words of Scripture and challenges us through the sermon. Jesus meets us as we open ourselves to Him in prayer.  He humbles us through the acknowledgment of our sins and lifts our spirits through hymns, but most importantly, He is our spiritual nourishment for our souls. He becomes a part of us when we receive the Holy Communion.

Many of us will, of course, read the Holy Bible on a daily or weekly basis.  We pray at least once during the day.  We may also read spiritual literature during our leisure time, or watch or listen to religious music.  Some people may do that; but many will not.  Attending the Divine Liturgy represents the one time during the week when we can devote ourselves exclusively to God. 

Sunday rest, mysteriously and wonderfully, offers a type of refreshment and renewal that rest alone can not account for. That is because of God's promise: "If you call the Sabbath a delight...and if you honor it by not going your own way...then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land" (Isa. 58:13-14).

May His love and mercy be upon us all. May our Sundays be filled with His glory.