Although our work-a-day world has encroached upon Sunday in many ways, and although many of us give in to the temptation to get one more task accomplished on the Lord's Day, this first day of the week still possesses a peace that is not present in the other six.  From my own personal experience of a Sunday afternoon--after I have finished offering Masses in the morning--the world still seems to more hushed than at other times.  As I unwind for the day, I look out across Sonora street to the parish parking lot and it is usually empty (except for the occasional vehicle of a school teacher preparing for the next day of classes or the CYO kids getting together), and the neighborhood is calm.  That quiet atmosphere seems to tell me that it's okay to take a break, have a leisurely lunch, watch a movie, read a book or even--oh, boy--take an afternoon siesta.  More often I opt for an activity in which silence is instilled in the moment.  It's a great way to become refreshed and collected in thought and feeling.

Such Sunday afternoons are really a gift; a gift from God and a gift that we can bestow upon ourselves.  Restful days remind us that we are not made for work, but work is just one activity that we engage to serve God, perfect creation and to provide for ourselves and our families.  We shouldn't need too many excuses to give ourselves that Sabbath rest.  And we should also curb the urge to "do something productive" if the quiet time seems unbearable.  Enter the silence and rest in the Lord!