“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”

Exert from today’s Gospel message of Matthew 11:25-30

I’ve come before you Lord, in my weaknesses, struggles and needing to lay down the weight on my shoulders. Then there were the times I should have; as being independent, self-reliant and prideful kept my focus on all that I could do, especially if noticed by others, which would leave me looking to them instead of you. What stops me from knowing you are walking with me in every step, every trial and joy? I have the tendency to do what I can touch, see or logically think; it is sad that this often leads to my plans and will, instead of yours.

The labor and burdens today are the distrust, lack of charity and forgiveness seen every day in our world. The division is so evident and seen when we can’t agree to disagree, but only speak louder or act violently. This is truly the existence of evil in our world. It is not of your sons and daughters alone Lord, but what they have been tempted to, instead of you. So the rest you offer me, yes, I will come away with you, if only for a few minutes of silence; of giving myself to you as a husband gives himself to his wife. Totally, unconditionally, quietly. As I sit by your side, resting my head in your arms, I do find rest and peace. If only I could stay here with you all day!

Your say your yoke Lord, is light, that you are meek and humble of heart. How very evident when those condemning you were baffled by your silence and how you bore the blows to your body. You sweat blood in the garden, you let them nail you to a cross where you hung until your last breath. You did not blame them; you asked your Father for forgiveness in their not knowing what they were doing. You say I can learn from you – this I have come to know as I study and spend time in your word. You gave us every example of what we encounter in life; how to live the virtues as our guide in honoring and respecting every living thing you created. There are no new circumstances you did not tell us about. Your word reveals all; Oh Lord help me to always turn to you to find the answers I seek in the trials I encounter throughout my life. Help me in guiding others to this same mercy you have given to me.

Your yoke Lord, should be easy; your burdens light, for love, faith, hope and charity are my guides. Your sacraments unite me to you, physically satisfying my body and soul with holy communion and reconciliation. The beatitudes show me how to love my neighbor, glorify your name and serve those less fortunate. Keep me O Lord, firmly yoked to you. If I stray, bring me back by your Spirit; never let me part from you.

For I will praise your name forever, my King and my God.

Matthew 11:25-30