Gospel: Mt 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy; and my burden is light.“REFLECTION:
Weariness is a common experience for all of us-“poor, banished children of Eve… mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.“ This seems to be constitutive of our sinful human condition. In this life we are sometimes burdened by the “cross“ that we have to bear, i.e., the tasks and responsibilities that come with the vocation or way of life we have embraced, as well as the pains and sufferings we have to endure in the realization of our mission in life. At other times we are burdened by our sins, guilt, fear, hopelessness and despair.
To those who experience the burdens of earthly existence Jesus offers rest and a means to overcome weariness. “Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me…“ Some have suggested that Christ’s yoke is that of love. It is love itself that effectively transforms our attitude towards our tasks and responsibilities. It is love that changes the way we look at pain and suffering. When we are full of love we are capable of accepting the cross for the sake of those we love, as Jesus did. When our hearts are filled with love we no longer find our obligations burdensome but embraced willingly and joyfully.
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