Heavenly Rest?

We have a tendency to put events in neat compartments, including those of our faith.  The magi have no sooner departed then the tree is down, and we march into Ordinary Time with a vengeance:  "Now, what was that we were celebrating a few weeks ago?"

We often regard the Lord himself in the same way.  For many, the Ascension marks the end of the consuming "work" of his passion, death and resurrection.  We even imagine the Lord at rest, "seated at the right hand of the Father" (on a rocker-recliner, perhaps?).  "Now, it's on to the Holy Spirit!"  But no such vision is allowed by the Letter to the Hebrews:  "Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them."

The image placed in our hearts by this Word of God depicts an active Lord, who, at every moment, in every circumstance, strains to draw us to the Father, the fruit of his saving love.  He lives forever, to make intercession for us.  But where, when, how?

This perpetual intercession is the energy at the heart of the sacramental life:  every sacrament unleashes this reconciling, intercessory power.  Jesus calls to us through his Word, drawing us to the Father.  In the missionary energy of his Body, the loving care poured out through educational institutions, hospitals and soup kitchens, he is there, drawing us mightily.  Even our "chance encounters" of daily life provide opportunities for this reconciling and loving power to draw us.

As some might say today, he is 24/7 at work for us!  No heavenly rest here!  May we awaken to this love that "neither sleeps nor slumbers."