Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of taking time to relax and not succumbing to the pressures of constant activity in order to be compassionate and effectively respond to others' needs. Speaking before praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on July 21, he highlighted the issue as a “social injustice” when working parents spend long hours away from home, rarely seeing their children.

“In families, fathers and mothers should have time to share with their children, to let love grow within their family and in order not to fall into the dictatorship of doing,” Pope Francis stated.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Mark (6:30-34), which recounts Jesus advising his apostles to rest after their mission, Pope Francis noted that Jesus showed compassion for a vast crowd despite his invitation for rest. He remarked that resting and being compassionate might seem incompatible but are actually complementary.

“Only if we learn how to rest can we have compassion,” he said. “Indeed, it is only possible to have a compassionate gaze, which knows how to respond to the needs of others if our heart is not consumed by the anxiety of doing.”

The pope warned against becoming overly focused on tasks and results, leading to agitation and loss of essential priorities. This kind of activism can result in physical and spiritual fatigue.

He cautioned that society at large, including individuals’ lives and even church pastoral work, could become "held prisoner by haste." He urged people to beware of this "dictatorship of doing."

Highlighting its impact on families out of necessity when parents must work long hours, Pope Francis called it a social injustice. He encouraged reflection on ways to support those forced into such lifestyles.

Pope Francis urged Catholics to question whether they can pause during their day or if they are constantly hurried by tasks. He asked them to find an inner place of rest amidst busyness and show compassion towards others.