The Gentle Mastery of Christ

Today's Reflections

                                                                                   

 

The Gentle Mastery of Christ

Mt 11:28-30

[Jesus said,] ²⁸“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Take my yoke upon you. Our lives and our works need a sense of purpose and direction. In a way, this need is symbolized by the “yoke.”

Ben Sirach (cf Sir 51:23, 26) invites us to see that Wisdom from God is the sure yoke for a meaningful living. When visions of God and prophecies became rare in Israel, the people and leaders turned to the Law as their guide to a righteous and wisdom-filled living. However, the many commentaries and interpretations of the scribes about the proper execution of the Law became too much and too burdensome!

Amid all these, Jesus, with his compassionate words and merciful acts, is a fresh, renewing, and inspiring source of wisdom. Moreover, since he comes as the Word-of-God-made-flesh, Jesus—in his person, actions, and teachings—is Wisdom incarnate.

Authentic living cannot be simply “easy”…

without any yoke or responsibility.

What “yoke” gives you meaning and direction?

Has your “yoke” become heavy and tiring?

Talk to Jesus.