Almost everyone with whom I have talked, listened to or read about has a different perspective on what they define as a burden in their life and how they manage or mismanage it. Reasons for such happenings are often blamed on others or circumstances as the cause. Most solutions they sought were based on what worked for others in similar situations but still left them with corrections that didn’t quite solve their dilemma.
Today, all who believe or want to believe in Jesus as the Son of God are invited to rid themselves of life’s burdens and receive rest. To accomplish this, they need to listen to His teachings and follow how he was obedient to the will of His Father during His time on earth. Though that may seem difficult at times, the promises He makes will be fulfilled as he has with all others he made to His followers.
St. Matthew’s Gospel invites all to partake of Jesus solutions. The Book of Zechariah and St. Paul’s letter to the Romans also prepare listeners prior to Jesus’ birth and after His death, respectively, of what is available if we say “Yes.” Our dilemma is to take positive steps by relying on both God the Father and Jesus’ words.
Zechariah’s prophecy offers a time of peace when there will be no war and all come together in God’s name to provide a community that works together for the betterment of all. St. Paul relates how Jesus through His life, death and resurrection has brought the Holy Spirit to dwell in our souls for the good of all to live a life of joy through love of God and one another.
The third part of His invitations are the most difficult to follow because we need to fully devote our lives in obedience to the will of God. To do so we need to focus all our energies to be one with God no matter what else is happening in the world. This takes courage to trust in God’s love for us as the true faith that can and will deliver all that we hope for in this life and the everlasting one afterwards.
Jesus talks about humility being the center of that decision. It requires the attitude of heart, mind and life that prepares the way for sanctification. Humility reveals our dependence on God. Sinners need to come to Christ in humility acknowledging their need for salvation for they are unworthy and unable to save themselves. It is the act that convinces God we truly trust all that He is and does for us.
Let us take this week to look deeply into our hearts at how we view God in our lives. Do we truly trust in His love for us to take on our burdens and give us rest that will bring us joy and peace to our lives? If not, what one thing is hindering us from taking the step needed to fully turn towards God and His promises for us? Pray that you can find a path to give you peace. If you do, you will receive a gift that keeps on giving.
Reading 1: Zechariah 9: 9-10
Reading 2: Romans 8: 9, 11-13
Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-30
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