The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said: “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.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
A yoke is a tool used in agriculture probably since the advent of agriculture itself. It is a simple but effective tool that harnesses the power of two domesticated animals (usually bovine or equine) and focuses it to a very specific task: tiling the ground or pulling a cart with a heavy load.
When using the yoke, the workload is shared between the two animals and the effort is less. Which in turn makes the animals’ effort more efficient and they can work longer hours.
In any case, Jesus uses this metaphor as a way to let us know that whatever hard time we may be going through, He is always willing to assist us. Jesus is always willing to share the yoke with him and make the workload lighter. But the reverse is also true. He is inviting us to help him with his mission to lead the world to God. Jesus’ work is hard and long. But with our assistance it will be less burdensome and more efficient.
However, there is a spiritual dimension to this invitation; a reason to be a joyful laborer. Most of us, even if just for a weekend, have been in a team competing against other teams – be it a softball, basketball, soccer, or tug-of-war. In such moments of competition, both teams are spending an equal amount of energy. Both teams are equally tired at the end of the game. However, while the winning team somehow finds extra energy to celebrate, the losing team just surrenders to exhaustion and sadness. Why? The answer is simple: Joy! Joy lifts up our spirits, energizes our souls, helps us carry on!
The same effect happens when we do the work of salvation alongside Jesus. The joke we are invited to share with Him is not just that of only applying energy to achieve a result. No, it is to share in the love and joy to see others be lifted up from their situation and their lives be transformed by the saving work of Jesus. Yes, we will spend physical and spiritual energy in doing God’s work. But it not only is less burdensome because we share the load with Jesus, but we get to do it with the joy of knowing we are doing it for the love of God and for our neighbor!
Seeing it this way, we should understand that Jesus’ invitation to find rest in sharing the joke with Him is not a mystery or a contradiction but a wonderful fact.
So, the question is this: do we rather do the work alone? Or accept Jesus’ invitation?
Action of the day
What work is Jesus calling you to help Him with? What work do you need Jesus to help you with?
How will you find joy in working together with Jesus so that the work is a delight and not a burden?
Audio Reflection:
