During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of slowing down and taking time for contemplation and prayer to recharge our physical and spiritual energies. Addressing the faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square, he reflected on the day's Gospel, where the apostles reported their mission accomplishments to Jesus. In response, Jesus suggested they rest, but the ever-present crowds awaited them, prompting Jesus to express compassion. The Pope highlighted that the Lord's call to rest and His compassion for the crowds are not conflicting but complementary.

Pope Francis warned about the dangers of over-activism, stressing that the demands of apostolate work can be exhausting. Jesus showed concern for His disciples' fatigue, a concern that remains relevant today. The Pope cautioned against becoming consumed by endless tasks and results, which can lead to anxiety and exhaustion, ultimately hindering our service to the Church and pastoral care. He urged everyone to "beware of the dictatorship of doing!"

Pope acknowledged the social injustice faced by families, where fathers, and sometimes mothers, must work incessantly to provide for their families, sacrificing valuable time with their children. He called for solutions to support families in spending quality time together, emphasizing that raising a loving family should not fall victim to the relentless demands of work.

Rest, according to Pope Francis, is not an escape from responsibilities but a necessity for renewing our ability to care for others with love and compassion. He explained that resting and compassion are intertwined: "Only if we learn how to rest can we have compassion." When our hearts are not overwhelmed by constant activity and we are open to God's grace through prayer and adoration, we can genuinely respond to others' needs with a compassionate gaze.

In closing,  Pope invited everyone to assess their lives and find moments to be with the Lord, renewing both body and spirit. He prayed for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us "rest in the Spirit" amidst daily activities, so we can be more available and compassionate towards others.

“May the Blessed Virgin Mary help us to 'rest in the Spirit' even in the midst of all daily activities, and to be available to and compassionate towards others.”