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
Progressing Christians are those Christians who, after many struggles (against their laziness, pride, sensuality, selfishness, etc.), have finally shaken off their youthful weaknesses and have resolutely opted for Christ once and for all. What they want with their whole heart is to please God in everything. Sin has lost all attraction in their eyes. They do sin occasionally, of course, but out of tiredness, surprise, weakness.
Because sin does not interest these good Christians any more, the Evil Spirit will have to tempt them with good and virtuous actions, but which are not suited to their circumstances: fasts, volunteer work, hospital visits, pilgrimages, etc. Now, since these inner temptations are all about good things, the inexperienced Christians will think that they are divine inspiration and will try their best to implement them—only to discover after a while that they are exhausted, irritable, neglecting more important duties, and thoroughly miserable.
This is why what Jesus tells us in today’s gospel reading is such a priceless principle of the spiritual life: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Any pious inspiration which does not make my life easy and light does not come from him but comes from the Evil Spirit.
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