Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy; and my burden is light.”
Reflection:
"We are to learn his way of love."
“My yoke is easy; and my burden is light.” Christ is teaching us how to live by this striking image. The yoke points to the Book of Proverbs, where Wisdom calls the people to take on the yoke of her instruction. Therefore, Christ, who Wisdom incarnate, invites us to come to him and learn from him. We are to learn his way of love, a way of gentleness and humility. Taking on the yoke means that we are accepting to be led, that we surrender ourselves to him, that he might direct our steps, and guide us in the ways of peace (Luke 1:79). The image of the yoke, combined with Isaiah also turns our thoughts to being strengthened by the Lord. Think of someone carrying two heavy buckets. A wooden yoke eases the burden, but the yoke would hurt the person’s neck if it weren’t shaped to his or her body. Therefore, taking on Christ’s yoke means that the burdens of life are lightened by being Christ-like. The yoke of the cross is made lighter by our conformity to Christ; we are strengthened for the sacrifices that we are called upon to make in showing true charity.
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