The "Off" Switch.

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us of the importance of the Sabbath.  It is God's invitation to find the quiet of our hearts to engage in the conversation of our soul: our soul's discussion with its Creator.   St. Paul admonishes our forefathers' disobedience in this regard.  His admonishment is for both  disobedience and ingratitude. 

The Goal:  finding the quietness and the charity to listen

St. Paul's admonishment is really an invitation.  In our day, it is an invitation to switch the switch "off."  In the midst of daily life (and especially on the Sabbath), we are invited to turn it all off.  Understand this-- I am as guilt as anyone to the over-scheduling and fast pace of modern life.  But what was true in the time of St. Paul is as true or even more true today.  With the "noise" of life, we often miss the whispers of true Life.

I think about it like this.  I have an 11-year old daughter-- equipped with a DS, iPod, Kindle and periodic access to TV.  She needs to focus on preparing for an important exam.  I tell her to turn EVERYTHING off.  Turn it all off-- and focus on her exam preparation.  This is akin to what our Heavenly Father is telling us to do.

Turn it off.  Turn it all off, and turn to God:  brief moments during each day and in a very special way on the Sabbath.  He is trying to reach us, and all He asks is that we clear the channel and listen.