A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 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 you will find 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." The Gospel of the Lord

REFLECTIONS: Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jesus promises rest to all who come to him. "Take my yoke"--unite with me in my life, my will and my heart --"Take my yoke" --- learn from me meekness and humility of heart---"Take my yoke" ---and I will carry your burdens and give you strength to follow in my love---"Take my yoke"---exchange the burden of sin, disobedience and despair with my love, grace and freedom from destruction.

The yoke, as used in the old days, was meant to be equally shared by 2 oxen, and Jesus says he will share his life with our life . He will help us, encourage us, give us joy in spite of the world calamities. Together we will plow and sow the seed of love. If we listen or obey God, we will find meekness and humility. Though the burden of the yoke is meant to be shared equally, there is always the "head "or "experienced" knowing the way of the fields and work. Jesus shares his experience with our inexperience and hastens our understanding of his divine graces.

PRAYER: Jesus may my swollen prideful head fit in the yoke you have asked me to share with you. Help me to exchange the yoke of rebellion and stubbornness and pride with a whole desire to do good and to do your will. I want to rest in you and we can't go anywhere together if I keep pulling in the opposite direction.

Amen.

Please pray for our beloved Priests