The day of rest

Sabbath Shifted*

Fogy’s tired. And not just today-tired—soul-tired. The kind of tired that makes you stop and ask: when exactly did we lose the meaning of rest?

The Bible said it plain: the seventh day was meant for stopping. Not slowing down. Stopping. But somewhere along the line, that changed. Sunday took over. Not because it was holier, but because it fit the schedule. Constantine made it law, the Church gave it meaning, and we never looked back.

Some say it was about honouring the resurrection. Others say it was about stepping away from Jewish traditions.
Fogy says it was about control, image, and convenience—all the things religion pretends not to care about.

And now? Sunday’s not a Sabbath.
It’s a sales pitch with a side of guilt.

So where does that leave us?
That, dear people, is the crux—the pull, the swinging pendulum.

The architects of time and motion have, for centuries, carefully prescribed how best to keep humans occupied.

Give them work—and plenty of it. Then toss in a rest day to keep them happy. Wrap it in religious intent so we too can profit and keep control.
Make them believe it’s essential to life itself.

And so it goes on.

But what do we need it for?

Originally, the idea was centered on rest, reflection, and devotion.
And with the Sabbath came the covenant—the religious hook to keep the fish (or the sheep) from straying.

Just as Americans bristle at Socialist remembrance (see: Labour Day), Christian churches long ago began to shy away from Jewish tradition.

But do we really need a rest day?

The answer lies in lifestyle—and in life choices.

Fogy has become older, wiser, lazier, and more chato (Portuguese for “annoying”). So this means binging and exaggeration were never part of his routine.
If not, then why would a “rest day” be necessary?

Moderation should be enough, right?
But the problem is, we no longer live in a world that honours moderation.
It rewards conformity and routine.

We’ve been indoctrinated into strict, man-made cycles, where everything is ordered to preserve control and reduce chaos.

We start work at the same time (rush-hour), eat lunch together (so restaurants can time their prep), leave work rush hour 2, watch the same films, shows or TV programs at the same times... and the list is endless.

We are told we need to rest.
Poppycock—at least, not in the way they mean it.
What we really need is to keep to our own rhythm.

If you wake at 6am during the week, then wake at 6am on Sunday.
If the office is closed or your job gives you a break, then do something meaningful—for yourself, not for the slave commanders.

Unless you’ve earned it, sleeping your day away is a travesty against life.

Live your life to the fullest.
There’ll be plenty of time to rest once you’re dead.
Don’t make dying your priority.

Instead, prioritize finding that balance that makes life enjoyable—so that every day can hold a little rest, a little reflection, a little devotion… to yourself.

Cheers

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