By  Angela Koenig

 

 

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear an often quoted Scripture passage, Jesus telling us of his easy yoke and light burden. It might be often quoted, but for me, it was also misunderstood.

As a child, I remember hearing this passage and wondering why Jesus was talking about eggs; that was the only yoke I had ever heard of! I honestly wondered what a runny egg yolk was supposed to teach me about being Catholic. 

As an adult, I still look back on my youthful innocence and smile, and my smile broadens all the more when I reflect on the true meaning of this powerful word from Scripture.

I Will Praise Your Name Forever

There is never a time when Jesus is not walking alongside you. We often forget that He has invited us to take His yoke and learn from Him. Jesus didn’t tell us that we wouldn’t ever have a burden to carry, but He has assured us we are never meant to carry it alone.  

Christ carried the heaviest burden Himself, His passion and death, and in His triumph over the greatest evil, He can provide rest for our weary souls amid trials and sorrows. I got a small taste of this recently when I got a flat tire while driving on the highway. 

Years ago, before I fell in love with Jesus, I would have questioned God about why He was punishing me with something like this. But I’ve come to understand irritations and mishaps are simply part of the human condition, not reprimand for wrongs committed.  

So instead of being upset, I found myself grateful for AAA and the knight in a shining tow truck who came to put on my spare. I was thankful I made it to the repair shop before it closed and even more grateful for my sister, who went out of her way after her tiring day to pick me up.  

My King and My God

As I lay in bed that night, I had nothing but praise for my Beloved. It wasn’t the afternoon I had expected, but He was with me for all of it, and I said an extra prayer of thanksgiving that I was lying in my own bed, safe and sound and blessed beyond measure.  

My King and my God did not fail me that day. He eased my burden and provided for all my needs. I continue to learn from Jesus daily, and when I need a reminder of how He attends to my weariness, I think I’ll picture us chatting over breakfast with over-easy eggs.

 

Prayer

My King and my God, help me see You in every situation and praise You for all You do for me. 

When my burden feels heavy, and I am tempted to despair, may Your gentleness tend to my weary soul and give me the grace to persevere. Amen.

Call to Action

 Look today to see how Jesus shares His yoke and eases your burdens. As you end your day, remember to praise Him for His goodness and to open your heart to the grace of living a life with an attitude of gratitude.

 

 

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