Reflection
In 2016, during one of his general audiences, Pope Francis gave a marvelous address on today’s Gospel passage. Excerpts from that address are included for today’s reflection.
The Lord’s invitation is surprising: He calls to follow Him people who are lowly and burdened by a difficult life; He calls to follow Him people who have many needs, and He promises them that in Him they will find rest and relief.
The first imperative is “Come to me”. Addressing those who are weary and oppressed, Jesus presents himself as the Servant of the Lord described in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Among those who are weary of life, the Gospel also often includes the poor. This means those who cannot rely on their own means, nor on important friendships. They can only trust in God. Conscious of their condition, they know that they depend on the Lord’s mercy, awaiting from Him the only help possible. At last, in Jesus’ invitation they find the response they have been waiting for. Becoming his disciples, they receive the promise of finding rest for all their life.
The second imperative states: “Take my yoke”. In the context of the Covenant, biblical tradition uses the image of the yoke to indicate the close bond that links the people to God and, as a result, the submission to his will expressed in the Law. Debating with the scribes and the doctors of the Law, Jesus places upon his disciples his yoke, in which the Law is fulfilled. He wants to teach them that they will discover God’s will through Him personally: through Jesus, not through the cold laws and prescriptions that Jesus himself condemns. Thus, receiving “Jesus’ yoke”, each disciple enters into communion with Him and participates in the mystery of his Cross and in his destiny of salvation.
The third imperative follows: “Learn from me”. Jesus proposes to his disciples a journey of knowledge and of imitation. Jesus is not a severe master who imposes upon others burdens which He does not bear: this was the accusation He directed at the doctors of the Law. He addresses the humble, the little ones, the poor, the needy, for He made himself little and humble. He understands the poor and the suffering because He himself is poor and tried by pain. In order to save humanity Jesus did not undertake an easy path; on the contrary, his journey was painful and difficult.
For us too there are moments of weariness and disillusion. Thus, let us remember these words of the Lord, which give us so much consolation and allow us to understand whether we are placing our energy at the service of the good, or into things which distract us from His love for us.
Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
Do you trust in God's love and truth and submit to his will for your life?