Taking Time Out for God
On my drive into downtown Rochester one recent morning, I had a sudden recognition of the astounding beauty of the earth before me. Frost had settled over the grassy fields and rolling hills, emphasizing the white of the feather reed stalks. Between the hills, a soft and molten gold spread out. Mist lingered over the occasional small pond. The passing sight brought a moment of peace to my soul even as I focused back on the bustle of morning roads. Later as I prayed in front of the tabernacle, I realized just how much God is reaching out to me, to snatch me from the scheduling and planning of everyday life for a moment of quiet rest with Him.
Let’s be honest with ourselves. We are constantly in the busiest time of year. Whether we have parental obligations managing little ones, balancing a full-time job and social life, maintaining a vibrant volunteer schedule in retirement, or exploring our personal discernment for what is next in life, life is very often and very quickly filled to the brim. Time seems to get sucked into obligations to family or responsibilities for work or volunteering. And amid all this movement, we can begin to forget why we are here at all.
This past September, I had the privilege to journey on pilgrimage to Assisi. Built upon the side of a hill, the little Italian town holds a reputation for radiating the peace that characterizes much of St. Francis’ persona and the Franciscan charism. My journey, however, was rather busy and not exactly what you would call peaceful. Along with the other pilgrims, I had traveled all over the country going from one church to the next. Each church held its own majestic beauty and history. From listening about the historic construction and politics of a church to the detailed background of every piece of art (and there are many paintings and frescos), I felt like my mind was just crammed with noise. Even though I was on a pilgrimage, I didn’t quite feel like I had removed myself from my typical daily chaos. Rather, it seems I had simply swapped one type of busyness for another.
Then we entered a very different church in Assisi. This church was quite bare and simple. While there were still frescoes and a beautiful altar, I felt a kind of peace settle over me. Our group had come to visit the tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis, the patron saint of our National Eucharistic Revival. On the side of the church, we approached his casket, which has a window through which you can see the body of this blessed young man. Many people had gathered to pray, and I, too, knelt to ask for Bl. Carlo’s intercession. The moment still felt busy; some people were taking pictures of the tomb, and I could tell I was even then not quite at peace. Then I had the sudden inclination to stand and go pray before the Eucharist, hidden in the tabernacle on the opposite side of the church. I cannot put into words the calm and rest I felt in that moment, but I can share that Jesus wants to give you rest too.
That is my encouragement as we come upon another season of busyness and movement. Take a time out for God. For just ten minutes, stop and remove yourself from the constant scheduling and moving from one moment to the next. Sit with God. I find that there is no better way to find time for God than by making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. When I come before Jesus in the Eucharist, time seems to no longer be a care. I can set down my cell phone and just breathe. And in the moment of quiet, I know that God is working on me and nourishing me to grow deeper in loving Him, loving myself, and loving my neighbor.