AH, SUMMER
HELENA HEFFERNAN
Ah, summer! Sleeping in, sunny weather, and a swim in the pool. There is less pressure, less commitment, and less time to get bored. The academic year can feel rushed, but transitioning into summer can feel like a huge weight has come off our shoulders. Summer is the perfect time to rest and recover. It is a beautiful season to take a break from the fast pace of the rest of the year. It is also an incredible opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and let Him fill us with His love.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30)
In June, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Within Jesus’ heart resides all the love he has for you. He holds all the details about your concerns about the future, your likes and dislikes, pain and joy.
When Jesus revealed His heart to St. Margaret Mary, He told her, “My Sacred Heart is so intense in its love for men, and for you in particular, that not being able to contain within it the flames of its ardent charity...” Jesus has revealed His ardent love for us through this devotion and His willingness to give up His life for us. He longs to fill your heart with His love, consolation, and strength.
So what if we spent the summer getting to know Jesus more? Those extra hours not spent in class or studying could be replaced with an hour, a half hour, or even just 20 minutes of prayer. Could the stillness and slowness of summer be a chance to listen for God’s voice to speak or read that spiritual book you keep putting off?
If setting aside extra time for prayer is intimidating, what if you shifted your mindset and decided to be curious about Jesus? Instead of scrolling tik tok or going down the endless rabbit holes of YouTube, you set a timer for 20 minutes in which you do research on the Holy Land. What do people look like there? What do they eat? What is the temperature there? Allow yourself to be curious about the person of Jesus. He willingly took on human nature to share his life with you.
Jesus longs to spend time with you. Even if you sit silently with Him and don’t know what to say, He longs to fill your soul with the strength you need for the rest of the year. He cares about your academics, sports, hobbies, and friends. He knows you argued with your Mom and lost patience with your little brother. Give Him a chance to fill up your tank this summer. I promise it will be worth it.
