Today, as I begin part 1 of my sabbatical journey, I find myself drawn to the profound beauty of Sabbath. This ancient practice, deeply rooted in the traditions of the early Church and desert spirituality, invites us into a rhythm of rest, reflection, and connection that feels especially resonant today. I want to invite you, the community of St. Francis, to join me in this sacred exploration of Sabbath rest this summer.

In the early Church, believers often gathered in their homes, breaking bread and sharing their lives around the table. These gatherings were not just about eating; they were moments of deep connection, where faith, community, and love intertwined. The simplicity of sharing a meal became a powerful act of communion, a tangible reminder of Christ's presence among them. Today, as we navigate our busy lives, we can look to this model of the early Church as a way to reclaim the importance of gathering around our tables.

Desert spirituality, with its emphasis on solitude and contemplation, offers another rich layer to our understanding of Sabbath. The early desert fathers and mothers sought out the wilderness to strip away the distractions of the world and encounter God in the silence. Their practices of meditation, prayer, and stillness can inspire us to carve out spaces of quiet in our own lives, where we can listen more deeply to the whispers of the Divine.

This summer, as I journey to deepen my connections with God by connecting with perfect strangers at their table and in their homes, I invite you to consider how you might create your own Sabbath experiences. Gather your family, friends, and neighbors around your table. Share meals, stories, and laughter. Let these moments be a sanctuary of rest and renewal, a time to slow down and truly see one another. In these simple acts of gathering and sharing, we can experience the richness of community and the grace of God's presence.

By intentionally setting aside time to rest and connect, we not only nourish our own souls but also strengthen the bonds within our community. As we embrace this practice, we can find a deeper sense of peace and purpose, rooted in the timeless traditions of our faith.

So, I invite you to join me on this journey of Sabbath rest. Let us gather around our tables, break bread together, and create spaces of connection and reflection. In doing so, we honor the wisdom of the early Church and the contemplative practices of the desert, weaving them into the fabric of our modern lives. May this summer be a season of renewal, where we find rest for our bodies, minds, and spirits, and deepen our connections with one another and with God as we look with hope to a new year and the work of the Spirit in our lives.