Scritto da Bro. Rodelio I. Mapula | Categoria: A proposito di noi

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven… a time to weep and a time to laugh… a time to mourn and a time to dance… a time to keep silence and a time to speak…”,

the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says.

Everything is perfectly balanced in God's hands. He is a God of perfection and order.  According to the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, man is created in God's image, and needs to rest, just as the all-powerful God rested after creating the universe. It emphasizes that men and women should arrange their lives to ensure that they "enjoy sufficient rest and free time that will allow them to tend their family, cultural, social, and religious life." It is also expressed in leisure or recreation.

Recreation is a vital component of community life, serving to foster camaraderie and lift individuals' spirits when they are feeling down. Through a monthly outing, the Apostles of Jesus Crucified Fathers and Brothers (Davao City, Philippines) takes the initiative to provide community members a break from the obligations of religious life, such as studies, community assignments and pastoral work, to help them refresh. This kind of activity seeks to be comprehended in relational, mental, physical, and, above all, spiritual terms.

Psychologists claim that recreation is essential to living a complete and fulfilling life. According to psychology, recreation can improve our health and help us relax, but too little recreation might be lethal. Recreational activities have been shown to have a number of psychological benefits, such as improvements in self-actualization, self-identity, self-esteem, or self-concept; personal growth and enjoyment; a decrease in anxiety and depression; a stronger sense of spirituality; and an overall improvement in psychological well-being.

In order to avoid becoming overly exhausted and run down, we also require a day off at least once a month. It's critical that we get enough rest to recover from life's stresses and avoid being irritable, moody and grouchy. We might have overwork, which could cause us to have breakdowns and become ill and render us unable to function in our daily lives. It has been demonstrated that recreation is healing for the body.

According to Aristotle, in order for us to be truly human, we must have recreation time. It was for him, being involved in something that promotes human flourishing. It is an active stance of receiving and being rather than the absence of an activity or even the lack of work. Furthermore, the German philosopher Josef Pieper asserts that, "recreation helps us achieve our potential." It is a state of mind that involves viewing things with joy. Its centrality lies in the individual's inner joy. It is not the same as not doing anything. It is not the same as being silent, or even as being silent within. It is comparable to the silence that occurs during a couple's conversation and is fostered by their unity.

In the document Presbyterorum Ordinis §8, it is stated that priests should "gladly and joyfully gather together for recreation, remembering Christ's invitation to the weary disciples" (Mk. 6:31): "Come aside to a desert place, and rest a while." This rule applies to priestly life and religious life as well. Religious life demands an act of will for recreation. As a faith community, we should uphold and encourage it. Our social relationships are, significantly impacted by the nature of our breaks, which go beyond just relaxing and taking a break. Furthermore, in the Apostolic Exhortation on the formation of priests, Pastores Dabo Vobis, St. John Paul II stresses that the seminary must develop into "a community built on deep friendship and charity so that it can be considered a true family living in joy" (§60). Engaging in recreational activities allows us to express our creativity while simply enjoying our hobbies and the companionship of our brothers in Christ.

In addition to its many health, psychological, social, and mental advantages, recreation has the power to bring us closer to God. The spirit that gives life the joy, purpose, and freedom is elevated by recreation. If we genuinely believe in God, we will be able to rest in his presence, and enjoy the variety of things that surround us. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the soul requires repose, which is achieved by letting go of the pressures of the mind. If we deny our souls their required rest, they will shatter.

Silence, listening, and contemplation are examples of internal expressions of recreation. Calmly nurturing this time of rest in our lives brings about serenity and a more profound comprehension of our existence. Recreation helps us achieve genuine holiness; it is not an "end" in and of itself. Recreation can be spiritually healing if it is done in a spirit of freedom and submission to God.

Acknowledging every facet of existence, the community extends concern for each individual's welfare. It is crucial to remember that the numerous things vying for our attention have a big influence on every aspect of our lives, even as we strive to stay on top of them. We want none of the community's members to feel depleted, empty, worn out, irritated, or unfulfilled since that can have a holistic effect on them. As we continue on our journey, we strive to live a balanced religious life in order to fulfill God's purposes in every aspect of our daily lives.