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December 7, 2022There is no doubt that Saint Ambrose (339 – 397) was a working bee. Being elected bishop at the early stages of his Christian Journey, he had to study theology, prepare sermons, write about the Scriptures, deal with the tensions of the Church, opposed heretics, and compose hymns for the liturgy. Along with this, Ambrose supported and nourished the conversion of many, among them St. Augustine whom he baptized. He also faced the interference of secular power with the Church at the time, and the list goes on. Where did he find rest?
Many of us can identify with being like St. Ambrose, busy and working bees. Where do we find rest? Jesus identifies himself as the source of rest “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Somehow, resting is about letting go of the unknown, of those things that are out of our control. Resting happens when there is the assurance that no matter how complicated things can be, there is someone greater than ourselves caring for everything. That one is Jesus, the Lord of all. This truth was proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah: “Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”
As we continue our Advent Journey, we are invited to find rest in Jesus: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Resting in Jesus means to have this confidence. It is an invitation to rest from worry, fear, anxiety, and stress. It is an invitation to find rest in our inner lives. Inner rest allows us to be with the Lord, to have confidence in doing our part and trusting that God will do what we cannot do for ourselves.
