rest

The Gospel According to Matthew 11:25–30 (NABRE) contains Jesus’ frequently quoted promise to give rest to humanity. Rest is an important concept in both the Old and New Testaments. When we think of rest, however, it can mean a number of things. What exactly is it that Jesus is promising when he speaks of providing his followers with rest?

The Greek word used in the Gospel According to Matthew 11:28–30 (NABRE) is ἀναπαύω (anapauo), a word related to the root of the English word pause. The core concept in the Greek anapauo and other related words is stopping or ceasing whatever is being done. In the sense of rest, the word anapauo means stopping from labor or work—pausing in order to have a chance to encounter God in stillness and rest.

Think about the labors or burdens in your life. Consider whether you’d like to be relieved of some of your responsibilities related to work. What would stopping or pausing from work and other labors in your life look like? How do you think it is that Jesus might be able to provide you with such rest? Jesus and the Church encourage resting on the sabbath day. Could you find a way to carve out some rest each Sunday?

related topics: sabbath; stopping

you also may like our study of the Letter to the Hebrews (digital only)
Many Christians struggle to understand one of the central mysteries of our faith: how Jesus can be both human and divine at the same time. The Letter to the Hebrews: An Explanation of the Mechanism of Our Salvation, an 18-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, offers an in-depth look at the way in which Jesus’ dual nature allows for the salvation of humanity. The Letter to the Hebrews is designed to provide information that will encourage Christians to remain faithful. Click on the book’s cover to view a sample lesson.

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