Prayer Prompt before reading MT 11:28-30: Come, Holy Spirit, teach me how to pray, interpret the Scriptures for me so that I may know the Truth about who God the Father is and God the Son so that I may know who I am.
“FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, AND MY BURDEN LIGHT.” MT 11:28-30
Humbly submit your will to God (Thy Will be done) and consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Mary and Joseph.
Today, Jesus gives us very comforting words. A yoke was used as a neck brace around cattle that farmers used to pull their plows. Jesus is referring to the yoke of the law the Pharisees and scribes were using to hold back God’s people. He wants us to obey His words that will bring us freedom.
Freedom from what? Sin, our addictions, our brokenness, worry, anxiety, fear. The more freedom we have the more our happiness depends on our choices. We must decide each day to follow Christ if we want to be free from the burden of sin. Holy people are full of joy. They are fulfilled, whole, complete, knowing exactly who God created them to be. It does not mean they do not suffer or have to sacrifice, these are requirements for a follower of Christ.
A person may falsely chase after comfort and luxury, looking for the next material thing to make them suffer less and will give them comfort. It may be medicine, it may be more money, it may be more power, it may be more entertainment (binging on Netflix, Instagram, Snapchat) or the next diet fad, it may be more beauty, too much food, or too much drink.
None of these are bad in and of themselves, but can become addictions or misused. Everything you need to be happy/holy is right in front of you. St. Augustine wisely says, “My heart will not rest, until it rests in you.” Only God can give us true freedom and holiness which is our hearts greatest desire. We are called to imitate Christ. He gave everything, taking on a human nature, to serve and give up His life for all.
This is the humility and meekness found in serving. In loving God and others more than self. Then, Christ says, “you will find rest for yourselves.” This is the answer we have been seeking. Sacrificial love serving others and adoring God fills us up with joy. When we keep God at our center and allow our lives to be transformed by His grace, we can accept suffering and live in joy.
Today’s challenge: Find peace in God ridding ourselves of guilt, worry, shame, and fear by reconciling ourselves with Him and others so that we can experience His peace and joy. We have the power of God in us through baptism to fight sin and be holy. We can overcome the Devil and find peace.
Be a servant, be a saint today!
#Christian YODO (You Only Die Once; we will live again!)
We need to find comfort from Jesus and follow him to find happiness instead of finding something in the world like food drink beauty medicine and more to find comfort in our lives.