I imagine you know what those letters mean. Maybe you’ve even said or thought it more than once at the end of the week: Thank God It’s Friday. It’s ironic…but I’ll bet even atheists think or say those words.

 

I’m guessing that TGIF was not in my dad’s vocabulary. Working for the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) he had a very different kind of schedule. Buses and trains run 24/7.

  

Dad wasn’t off every Saturday and Sunday like I am. His two days off each week rotated through a seven week cycle. Sometimes his two days off might be Wednesday and Thursday, and in that case Tuesday was then his “Friday” that week.

 

A Sunday off was somewhat rare for Dad. He appreciated his opportunity to worship on Sunday because it came only a few times during each seven week cycle (no midweek evening services back then). I’m ashamed to say this, but my dad may have appreciated Sunday more than I do. Have you ever had that feeling when going to church sometimes feels like...going to work?

  

Martin Luther pointed out that while the New Testament doesn’t say we must worship on Sunday, setting aside a day for worship is meant for our good, and I'm thankful he reminds me of this gift. “We have the liberty to turn Monday or some other day into Sunday… Although all days are free and one is like the other, it is nonetheless useful and good, nay, necessary, to celebrate on one day… For God wants to govern the world gently and peacefully. This is why He has given six days for work. On the seventh day, however, the servant, day laborer, and workers of all kind are to have rest as the words of this Commandment say, so that they may thereby regain their strength…

 

“And this should be done especially in order that those who at other times do not have the leisure may hear the sermon on this holy day (holiday) and thereby learn to know God. For this reason, namely for the sake of love and need, Sunday has remained…”

 

God did not provide Sunday as a burden but rather Sunday (Sabbath) was provided by God out of love for us and concern for our need. Sunday is provided for our good.