By Jenna Ebener
A reflection
One of my favorite book and movie series is “Harry Potter.” In the seventh movie, Harry is preparing to leave to seek out what his whole life has been leading to — the death of Voldemort, who killed his parents. But, many people just risked their lives to get Harry to a safe place, someone died, and Harry’s best friend’s brother is getting married soon. Harry is anxious to continue his journey, but his best friend Ron wisely states “tonight’s not the night.”
This reminder to pause even when there are huge challenges to tackle is so important. There are likely always a thousand things on our to do lists, many of which are essential for life. Family and work responsibilities paired with maintaining physical and mental health and countless other things can easily fill up every second of the day. It can be hard to let things go when so many things are necessary for us and others to thrive. Yet, without pausing and taking breaks, we truly will not accomplish anything.
I am currently immersed in a very intense physical and emotional school semester paired with the million details of wedding planning. As I hit the rock bottom of burnout, I am finding myself continually reminding myself that “tonight’s not the night.” The past few weeks, I have made myself focus on only the bare bones of what I absolutely have to do both at work and at home so I can prioritize rest and recovery. I know if I do not pause now, I will not be able to continue the work God has given me, both at work and towards my future family. The Gospel story about Jesus on the road to Emmaus recently read at Sunday Mass has advanced my resolve even further.
In the walk to Emmaus story, we hear of two disciples who were immersed in the heaviness of witnessing Jesus’ Passion. While they heard that morning that Jesus was risen, they did not feel joy yet or even true belief. Even when Jesus appeared to them, their eyes were initially blinded. Only when they intentionally paused in the act of breaking bread did they finally see. That act of pausing and inviting Jesus to stay with them for dinner allowed them to see their walk to Emmaus with new eyes — they could finally see and believe in the truth that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead and they used that consolation to hurry back to the other disciples to share this glorious news.
What are some heavy memories that you can look at with new eyes knowing that Jesus was with you all along? Where are some opportunities in your life to pause now? I was reminded of two beautiful opportunities on the same day. One of my favorite parts of bringing communion to residents at a facility for the elderly is when I am standing at the foot of the altar waiting for the priest to bring me Jesus. I spend those seconds gazing up at the body of Jesus on the cross, thanking him for all he did for me and asking him to help me serve him well. Then, at the mini service I give, I was struck by the intentions section. As numerous people contributed prayers for a variety of intentions, none of which had to do with themselves, I was reminded of how beautiful it is to pause and think of other people. As you continue to celebrate the miracle of Easter, I encourage you to reflect on if now is a time to pursue or a time to pause — “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
(Jenna Ebener, a graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, is a social worker at a school in Colorado for students with a combination of medical, cognitive and behavior disabilities. She relies on God every day to aid her on this wonderful, yet intense journey.)
