Sabbath and Rest: Origen on the Spiritual Sabbath

Origen (d. 254) interpreted the Sabbath primarily in spiritual terms. He wrote: "Leaving aside the Jewish observance of the Sabbath, let us see what kind of Sabbath observance is expected of the Christian. On the Sabbath day, nothing of the works of the world ought to be done. If therefore you cease from all secular works, and execute nothing worldly, but give yourselves up to spiritual exercises, you are keeping the Sabbath."

Origen taught that the deepest Sabbath is interior -- ceasing from sin, resting from anxiety, trusting God completely. "The perfect Sabbath is the one in which the soul rests from sin. This Sabbath the Christian can observe every day of the week."

Practical application: Practice an "interior Sabbath" this week. At a set time each day, consciously release your anxieties and worries to God. Say: "Lord, I cease from striving. I rest in You." Origen teaches that while the weekly Sabbath is vital, the daily practice of spiritual rest transforms the quality of every day.