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Chris (email link at the bottom of each page)

"Come to me, all you who are weary . . ."

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Matthew • 11:28-30 JULY 145

Life can be burdensome, what with illnesses, the stress of modern living, mortgage repayments, family troubles . . . the list is endless. It's part of the human condition to experience being weary and burdened by life at times.  Jesus shows us the remedy, and we would do well to digest each word he says carefully.  

The key and central idea is, 'Come to me': Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest' (v.28);...anyone who comes to me I will never drive away' (John 6:37); "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" (Rev. 22:17).  In this express command we see that he isthe One to whom we should go to for comfort, consolation and to find peace.

But where are we to find him?  In truth, we find him whenever we turn to him in prayer and whenever we read or listen to his Word.  However, We come into the presence of Jesus himself in a unique way when we receive the Eucharist or kneel before him in adoration.

The peace of Christ is not a cheap, shallow or superficial peace, but is rooted in taking on the yoke of discipleship.  A disciple is essentially someone who recognises that they need to learn from a master, someone who is – and wants to be – under discipline.  What is it that we're to learn as disciples of Christ?  We're to learn to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit.  We're to learn to live the Beatitudes – the way of the Sermon of the Mount (Matt. 5:1-12).  We're to learn to understand., as St Augustine did, that, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."  Peace, rest, solace and comfort are not found by refusing God's will but by embracing it. St Paul of the Cross put it well when he wrote, “I desire rest, but I don't spurn toil.  Your will be done.”

Lord Jesus, I turn to you because you are the only One who offers truth, freedom and lasting peace.  You are the Lord and Master of my life. I throw myself upon your love and mercy.

Chris 

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 • Psalm 101(102):13-21 • Matthew 11:28-30

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Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened . . .

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Matthew 11:28-30
 
Girl pulling a heavy bag towards the Cross
 
Jesus will never abandon us. He knows our lives are demanding and fretful, fraught with anxieties about work, housing, relationships and money, and that we may have difficulty absorbing the nourishment of prayer, Scripture and the sacraments.

People can be like pieces of elastic: stretched to their utmost. limits one day, in a state of. collapse the next. Jesus" ‘yoke’ is a whole way of life, discipleship and relationship with him. He demands of us willing service to the gospel, but rewards us with friendship and love. Our part of the bargain is a twofold pledge: to model our lives on his, and to enter wholeheartedly into a relationship with him.

The image of the yoke calls to mind two oxen pulling along side by side, in step with one another. Jesus walks beside us if we invite him into the rhythm of our lives. Sharing our burden, he befriends us on the journey and invites us to rest with him at close of day. Discipleship and trust are key qualities needed. Enthusiasm for the Lord can see us through the ups and downs of life, focusing us and filling us with the light of his grace.

The conviction that Jesus is beside us can calm our fears and encourage us to take the spiritual rest that we all need for a healthy and balanced life on this frenetically active planet.

Lord may I always be aware of you beside me, not lifting but sharing my burdens and helping me to bear with joy the yoke of discipleship

 
Chris
 
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