The Very Rev’d Bertrand Oliver, Dean and Rector

Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Good morning, everyone! In the last few days, there’s been a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The construction holiday has just started in Quebec, construction sites and road works have temporarily been put on hold, and many Montrealers are leaving the city for two weeks to find time for restoration away by the lakes, in nature or gathering with families in order to put work out of mind, and to simply savour the joy of living in the best season of the year.

I know some of you have already managed an earlier break, and many of you are probably looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation in the coming weeks and months.

This time of year always reminds me of a story from my own life.

Years ago, when I was just starting out in ministry, I was convinced that taking a break was a sign of weakness. I thought I needed to be constantly available, constantly working, in order to be a faithful minister and to be a good pastor.

One summer, my training incumbent took me aside and said, “You know, even Jesus took time to rest. If the Son of God needed a break, don’t you think you might, too?” That was a lightbulb moment for me, and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since, even if it does not necessarily come easily to me. Like many of us, I always experience the conflict between my inner-Mary and my inner-Martha. And so here I am preaching to myself as well as to all of you.

And in truth, things have not become easier since my early days of ministry, like for all of us. Mobile phones keep us constantly tethered to the work environment, email never seems to stop, and the prevailing culture is so steeped in the belief that every moment needs to be productive that it is actually hard – and it can feel wrong to us – to simply sit and do nothing.

Our readings today offer a rich tapestry of themes, but one that stands out, particularly in light of the season, is the importance of rest and renewal. Let’s start with our Gospel reading from Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
We can imagine the apostles at the end of a busy day gathering round Jesus to report back on their day – and though not much is said, we feel a sense of exhaustion because they had run around so much all day that some had not even had time to eat.

And so here, we see Jesus recognizing the need for rest among His disciples. After a period of intense ministry, Jesus says to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” What soothing words this must have been to them, and a clear acknowledgment that even those who are doing God’s work need time to recharge, just as we all also do need to find time to recharge if we are going to be doing our best work.

In our passage from the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, we see King David wanting to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. And yet, the prophet Nathan hears a message from God for David, saying that God had been content to move about with his people in a tent without asking for more than for David to lead and take them to their destination – nothing more, nothing less.

And so, God reminds David that God has always been present with the people, regardless of a physical building. And prophesying about an offspring to come – perhaps referring to Jesus, who will build a house in God’s name, not of stones but of living stones.

The passage underscores that God’s presence is not confined to a place or activity but is always with us, even in our times of rest.

We see this also in Psalm 89:20-37, where we hear of God’s everlasting covenant with David, in a way a summary of their relationship. It’s a reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness and the promise of rest and peace that comes from trusting in Him.

Finally, in Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul speaks of the peace that Christ has brought, breaking down the barriers that divide us. This peace is not just an absence of conflict but a deep, restorative peace that brings renewal to our souls.

Let’s take a moment to imagine Jesus today, living in our world. Perhaps He’s just finished a long stretch of healing and teaching, and He’s looking at His disciples, exhausted and worn out. We can almost hear Him say, “Alright, everyone, it’s time for a break. Let’s pack up, hit the road, and find a quiet spot by the lake. Maybe we’ll even bring a picnic.”

Jesus understood the rhythm of work and rest. He knew that in order to be effective in ministry as in life, one needs to take time to rest and recharge. This wasn’t just for His disciples; it was for Himself as well. In the Gospels, we see multiple instances where Jesus withdraws to a quiet place to pray and rest. He sets an example for all of us about the importance of taking a break.

So, as we embark on this summer season of rest, how can we follow Jesus’ example? Here are a few suggestions:

Prioritize Rest: Make rest a priority in your life. Just as Jesus took time to withdraw and rest, we too need to ensure we’re taking time to recharge. This could mean taking a vacation, but it could also mean setting aside regular time each week to relax and do something you enjoy.

Find Your Quiet Place: Jesus often sought out quiet places to pray and reflect. Find your own quiet place where you can go to find peace and renewal. It does not have to be very far, it might be one of the many beautiful parks in the city, a favourite chair at home, a cosy café or this Cathedral or one of the many churches that are open that provide space and silence for resourcing when things are busy..

Embrace Community: Notice that Jesus didn’t just rest alone; He invited His disciples to rest with Him. Embrace the community around you. Spend time with family and friends. Share a meal, have a good conversation, and enjoy each other’s company.

Trust in God’s Presence: Remember that God’s presence is with us always, not just in our work but also in our rest. Trust that taking a break is not abandoning your responsibilities but rather an important part of fulfilling them.

Practice Gratitude: Use this time of rest to reflect on the blessings in your life. Practice gratitude for the opportunities to work and to rest, for the people in your life, and for the beauty of the world around you.
As we head into this season of rest, let’s do so with a sense of joy and gratitude. Let’s follow Jesus’ example by prioritizing rest and renewal, knowing that in doing so, we are honouring God’s design for our lives. Remember the words of Jesus: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Let these words guide you in the coming weeks.

May this time of rest be a season of renewal for each of you. May you return refreshed, recharged, and ready to continue the work God has called you to do. And may you always remember that rest is not a luxury but a vital part of a life lived in balance and harmony with God’s rhythm.

Amen.