REFLECTION FOR TODAY
July 15, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
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.” Matt. 11:29-30
The burden of life can seem endless at times. It may come in the form of providing food and shelter for self and families. Family dynamics can bring with it some tension like raising a child in a society that is riddled with violence and immorality. It is in this situation that Jesus in our gospel reference invites us to take his yoke.
Taking the yoke of Jesus may appear ambiguous. How can taking the yoke of Jesus ease our burden? Taking the yoke of Jesus here means a lot of things. It meaning allowing Jesus to shine his light into our hearts. It also means allowing his spirit to give us the strength we need to obey his commandments. It means being humble enough to let Jesus reveal his love to us and offer us his healing.
We are told in today gospel reference that we are not to carry our yoke; rather, we are meant to carry Christ’s yoke. “Take my yoke upon you…,” Jesus said. Carrying Jesus’ yoke means we are called to live our lives with Him and in Him. He came to serve and to give His life for others. It is our duty to do the same by allowing Him to do so within us. It is Christ and His servitude that must be the motivation and foundation of our lives.
Jesus invites everyone who feels weary and burdened, not just the “holy” or the religiously inclined. Anyone can respond to this invitation because of who God is and not because of who we are. Through Jesus Christ, God has freed us from the burden of life.
Reflect, today, upon your call to be a servant in Christ. How is God calling you to serve? Whom is God calling you to serve? And as you answer that question, how do you see your act of service? Does service seem burdensome to you? Or do you understand that it is what you are made for? If you do see humble service as a burden, then perhaps that is because you have not actually tried to serve with and in Christ Himself. Try to ponder Jesus placing His yoke upon your shoulders. Say “Yes” to that act and to the mission of humble service you are called to fulfill. Doing so wholeheartedly will not only refresh you, it will also give meaning and purpose to your life.
Lord, You came to us to serve and to give Your life out of love. Give me the grace I need to accept Your act of service to me and to also imitate and participate in the service to which I am called. May I take Your yoke upon me, dear Lord, so that I can fulfill the mission that You have entrusted to me. Jesus, I trust in You.