14-Jul-16

Gospel MT 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.”
Reflection:
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened...."
In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees sought to obey every man-made, religious rule in order to gain God's favor.
Today, we too may struggle to please God by carrying heavy burdens.
Some people obey every religious obligation and do good deeds in an effort to be in God's good graces.
Jesus came to tell us that we already have God's favor.
Surely the love of a parent for their child is the best example of being "made in the image of God."
A parent does not love their child because of the child's goodness and good works, but loves that child in spite of his or her failings.
God, like a parent, does not have the ability to stop loving us.
Much like when an elderly parent patiently waits for their son or daughter to visit, God's only desire is for us to want to be with Him.
He yearns for us to seek His presence, in this life and in the life to come.
"........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.”
Jesus is not telling us to stop helping people or doing good.
He is saying, "Check your motives."
Of course, we should do good. But, out of love of neighbor, not in an attempt to gain favor with God.
In today's gospel, Jesus is telling us:
"Stop with your efforts to please me. Give it a rest. Simply be yourself and accept my love and the love of your Father."
The "yoke" of God's love is easy and light. We do not have to earn it.
God has loved us since the day we were conceived in our mother's womb.
Jesus encourages us to accept God's love and "find rest for yourselves."
“Be still, and know that I am God." - - Psalm 46:10