Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Fr Nielo Cantilado SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Saturday 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Image source : Wikimedia Commons
Everyone faces some form of stress on the job now and then. A position in leadership such as mine is one of the most stressful jobs there is in this world. It requires tremendous amount of energy – physical or mental. Honestly, how I wish this could be less stressful. Thanks, I’m not lacking in sympathy. Whenever confreres inquire “how am I doing in my work” and add “you take care of yourself,” I take it as an expression of concern, I become even more motivated. I made it a personal commitment to take care of my total well-being.
And, why not? If we Christians are called to be stewards for others, we first have to take personal stewardship of our own personal well-being. Our happy disposition infects people around us. We feel the power to do more for our loved ones and for others when we are in the best of health and feeling good about ourselves. Remember, we can only give from what we have.
Jesus in the Gospel today, after receiving back the disciples from their fruitful missions, invited them to come away by themselves to a deserted place and rest a while. He understood how tired they must have been coming from a long journey. For Jesus rest is a must do. He always finds time to be alone by himself or with his disciples and friends!
Spending quiet moments before the Lord in prayer and meditation, listening to soothing music, deep breathing, physical exercises, and leisure walking are commonly available techniques for unwinding and energy-replenishment. When I start to feel stressed in the midst of the office tasks I take a break, walk around to clear my head. The secret though in managing one’s well-being resolutely is found in one’s personal discipline. We need to set aside time, establish certain routine and follow it religiously to the best way you can. Urgent tasks in the office are often used as a convenient excuse for skipping this personal commitment. No matter what, one needs to strike a balance between work and personal well-being.
Jesus had tremendous energy, but he knew how to spend them productively. He knows what is urgent and more important – he is clear with his priorities. He avoided spending it wastefully. And he finds time always to recharge himself – most often with his disciples to a deserted place and in intimate instances alone with his Father in prayer.
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