Scripture:
Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection:
Rest In Him
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
This short reading has always brought me comfort. Through this Scripture I find solace in the fact that I can come to Jesus and lay upon His feet. Rest is a concept that is lost on our culture today. We are always trying to be the next big thing, get a head of our coworkers or maximize our time. Slowing down and taking time shows weakness and vulnerability, which are unattractive traits nowadays. Yet, our faith is meant to be countercultural. Jesus reminds us that we are to take time to rest in Him. This rest helps us to gain strength to carry the crosses that we have been given.
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.
A yoke is usually a wooden beam that is set on two cattle in order to help them move the same way while plowing. Now when Jesus says "Take my yoke upon you," I think about the work that will take; a new path, new weight, new method. Yet, when we take the yoke of Jesus upon us, we are guided and taught His way. The way of joy, love, truth and hope. Uniting ourselves to Jesus on the yoke helps us to find out way. We wash away the old hurt and pain and put on love. When we come to rest in Jesus through prayer, we are reminded of that relationship that we have with Him and with those who unite themselves to Him. We are given a community of support that is also attached that same yoke. No burden is too heavy when it is given in love and carried in love. When we unite our lives to Jesus, he helps us to carry our burdens.
Kim Valdez is a Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas