Gospel for Wednesday 12/11 the Second Week of Lent.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
REFLECTION
It’s time to have a “Come to Jesus Talk” – what does that mean to us? We’ve all heard the phrase and many of us have had to deliver that talk to co-workers, friends, family members and other people in our lives. Today’s Gospel can be viewed as the first-ever “Come to Jesus Talk.” It starts with Jesus saying “Come to me…”
Who are the people we think need a Come to Jesus Talk”? Whoever they are, it’s likely they have a heavy burden and are laboring to handle it. While this type of talk may put a large focus on the laboring and the burden, it’s important to remember the outcome a “Come to Jesus Talk” is intended to have. It’s caring enough about someone to help them become the best version of themselves.
We tend to carry our burdens, and how we labor through them, as badges of honor. I’m so guilty of pointing to my large family and all the activities we do as a burden I’m laboring through. It’s easy to feel as though the weight of the world is resting on my shoulders and people just don’t understand my life. The reality is we all have burdens and none of us will ever truly understand each other’s burdens. They are all unique to our own experiences. We all labor through them. There are days where I’m wondering when that light burden of Jesus’ is going to replace what I’m carrying.
That’s when I realize a yoke is designed for two. Anything is more fun with a friend, even something you’re laboring through. Then I look at the Gospel to where Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” and have another realization. I’m looking for MY burden to get lighter. Am I willing to put my burden down and put on Jesus’ yoke? Am I willing to learn from Jesus? Do I really trust Jesus enough to believe Him when He says “…my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”? Jesus wants a relationship with us to go through the burdens of life together. It doesn’t mean they’re going to go away. It just means it’s a lot easier to handle the burdens of life with your friend by your side.
In this time of Advent, as we’re preparing for our friend Jesus to come, today’s Gospel challenges us to have a “Come to Jesus Talk” with ourselves about our relationship with Him. Are we looking to Jesus to lighten the burdens we are carrying or are we willing to join Jesus and experience our burdens together?
William Till