PA/HINGA | Word and Songs with Sr. Amelyne Paglinawan, fsp

Scriptwriter: Cl. Vinz Aurellano, SSP | Society of St. Paul

In this episode, we will reflect upon the importance of rest. In our busy and fast-paced life, the time to be at rest is the best and opportune time not only to do nothing but also to connect to our inner self and to be with God.

Our God himself left us an example to follow when he himself rested on the 7th Day after he created everything. On the other hand, we cannot expect to reap the fruits of our labor if we do not toil—physically or spiritually.

Jesus, who is the perfect image of the Father, also experienced the need for him to rest. He found a home at the house of Mary, Lazarus, and Martha in Bethany. He dined with friends and sinners whom he drew into conversion. After his tiring ministry, he withdraws himself from time to time, to pray and be with the Father…

Jesus tells us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." In our reflection, let us use the word “Pahinga.” When we syllabicate the word pahinga we’ll get two words—Pa means Father and Hinga which means breathe. Pa—Father. Do you know who your God is? Do you know him whose yoke is easy and burden, light? Who is my God? Is he a give-and-take God? I will do good, and he’ll reward me graces I want? Or A God-genie—I am entitled with my wishes to him? Or an indifferent God? He just created us and then he left us. Who is God for you? Jesus is the perfect image of the Father—of our God. He is the compassionate, healing, peaceful, and loving God who dwelt among us. Jesus who teaches us…if you are burdened and weary because of life’s anxieties and a load of works—come to him, be at peace and at rest with him… for his yoke is easy and his burden is light…

A yoke is a carved wooden beam fit on the shoulder of a farm animal, like a cow, ox, or donkey to let them pull heavy equipment, or a plow to lighten up the work. Plowing in a field and pulling a load is seriously hard work! Jesus does not promise to give us a soft ground to till nor level paths to bear the load. Jesus wants us to enter an intimate relationship with him. To take the yoke with him. The demands of life are great and burdensome at the same time, but the relationship with Jesus makes these burden light. Because to be yoked on means to be related and connected to Jesus. To be yoked on is submitting ourselves to this great mentor and teacher who alone can give us comfort and rest after an exasperating plowing.

There are three things to consider why we need to rest…to breathe…First, we need to consider that we are not superman or superhumans. Our capacities and talents must not exhaust our bodily energy. Exhausting our energies would mean wasted efforts. Humility is the key for us to accept this. When we feel we are helpless it could either be, (1) we failed to ask for help or (2) we do not accept any help at hand. Always remember we you are not a superhuman. Second, we need rest because we are in the state of being unmotivated or uninspired. When these happen, always remember that small wins are to be celebrated, and losses can be charged into the experience. If things are out of control, the grace of acceptance is needed. Bearing in mind that things do happen for a reason—but God’s grace and mercy are still at work.

Third, we need to choose our battles. In life, there are people who will intentionally drain you. They will exhaust you—and for many times with useless reasons! Gossiping, creating issues, divisions, etc. The need to choose our battles is the key to overcoming this. Ask also the grace of temperance for you to gauge things that are really worth fighting for. So, breathe…