In today's first reading from Hebrews 4, we read about rest - God's rest. There are two Old Testament passages quoted by the sacred author about rest.
"As I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter into my rest." Psalm 95:11
"And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." Genesis 2:2
The reading ends with Hebrews 4:11 - "Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience." There are three different meanings to "rest" in these passages.
The first, from Genesis 2, is the sabbath rest. We are commanded to take a break on the sabbath, following the example of God. Next, from Psalm 95:11, that "rest" was the promised land, the land given to the people after their slavery and sojourn in the desert. Finally, this same "rest" is alluded to as the rest of heaven - our eternal rest. We must always strive to enter that rest by being obedient to God's will. That's why as Catholics we pray, "Eternal rest grant unto ______, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."
Father, we thank you for giving us rest, here on earth, and eternally with you in heaven. Help us always to be obedient to you here, that we may rest with you eternally. Amen.
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