The Keeping of Every Sunday as Special
Living in England has its unique charms, and among them, one of my greatest joys is the opportunity to celebrate weekends with my loved ones. However, it's disheartening to witness how some of my friends and dear ones end up working through these precious days, and at the same rates of pay as during the week. Instead of being a time to recharge and reconnect, weekends often feel like an extension of the work week.
Four decades ago, the Jubilee Centre pioneered the "Keep Sunday Special" campaign alongside smaller retailers, shopworkers and the church. It emerged as a beacon, emphasizing the importance of dedicating specific days to rest and family and, through God’s grace, helped defeat the attempt to deregulate Sunday trading in 1986. As I reflect upon this initiative, I can't help but wonder what weekends truly mean to the people around me who have a faith and also those who do not. Is it a day to unwind, find solace in worship, tend to our gardens, or simply revel in the company of our loved ones?
During my time in Germany, I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the greater value the society place on Sundays. Each Sunday is a day of unparalleled significance, perhaps even bordering on excess. Most shops remain closed, and so people meticulously plan their meals and gatherings in advance, much like the anticipation surrounding Christmas. It's a charming practice that encourages us to truly savour and make the most of these special moments together.
There have been instances where I've had to work during weekends, and to my surprise, my wages would increase by a staggering 90%. I must admit, it was quite a shock to my family here in England. It's rather ironic that such a surprise should exist in the first place. We ought to be amazed that more people haven't recognized the extraordinary nature of these days meant for relaxation, connection, and spiritual practice.
If you're intrigued and want to delve deeper into the concept of cherishing weekends, I invite you to explore a booklet written in 1985.[1] Despite its age, the principles it shares are just as applicable today. You'll discover how its timeless analysis can reshape your perspective and help you unlock the true potential of Sundays.
Regardless of age, we all cherish weekends as an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. It's time to reclaim the essence of these days, making every moment count. Let's draw inspiration from the past, nurture our relationships, and embrace the restorative power of weekends. Together, we can ensure the values of these days remain alive, enriching our lives and those of future generations.
Ruben Alarcon
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[1] Christopher Townsend and Michael Schluter, 1985, Why Keep Sunday Special?, Jubilee Centre. See also: Thinking Biblically About: Sunday, 2015, Jubilee Centre, https://www.jubilee-centre.org/s/TBA-Sunday-Short-Guide-Jubilee-Centre.pdf
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Jubilee Centre or its trustees.
