Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).
Scripture scholar, Fr. Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, stated that in this passage Jesus’ invitation was given to those who are not yet his disciples, those Jews who did not yet believe in him and the way that he was proposing. Jesus called them from the heavy burdens laid upon them by the scribes and Pharisees and invited them to accept his burden which is lighter (cf. Harrington, 167). “They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them” (Matthew 23:4).
The charge Jesus leveled against the Pharisees came from those who experienced the laws without any assistance and support. The demands of Jesus are even more challenging than those of the Pharisees, Sadducees, or the scribes! I shared yesterday one of the six antitheses, here is another: “You have heard that it was said… whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna” (Mt 5:21-22). Jesus is equating calling someone Raqa – an airhead or calling someone a fool akin to murder. Our words can destroy or empower! We need to choose our words wisely.
The difference between Jesus and many of the religious leaders of his time is that Jesus, the Son of God, in the fullness of his divinity, was willing to enter into the chaos of our humanity. He experiences and suffers along with us. He invites us to yoke ourselves to himself. This will lighten the load that we carry. Many impose burdens on us, and we can impose burdens on others. We also impose them on ourselves and turn away from the invitation of Jesus’ help because of the temptation of self-sufficiency.
A handful of injuries I have suffered through the years were because I attempted to lift or carry something beyond my strength, instead of seeking assistance. I would think, “I can do it, I don’t want to bother anyone.” That is just the physical; there are also the mental and emotional burdens of anxiety, doubt, pride, fear, and worry that we burden ourselves with. This is not Jesus’ way.
Jesus offers us a path to follow that leads us to experience joy, peace, and tranquility in this life and fulfillment and union with God in the next. No matter what pain, suffering, conflict, and/or challenge we are facing right now, we do not have to go through it alone. We just need to remember to reach out our hand to Jesus and when we do, we will find that his hand is already extended ready to lead us to a better way.
In aligning ourselves with God’s will, life isn’t necessarily going to be easier. God’s commandments, and Jesus’ teachings aren’t any easier! The difference is that the Holy Spirit will give us the strength and peace of mind not only to endure but to experience a peace that surpasses all understanding while doing so. Let us take our first step together today, hand in hand with Jesus, and so find rest in knowing that we are not alone!
While walking with Jesus, we will learn to be patient and kinder with ourselves, and so kinder, patient, and more understanding with our words, actions, and faces. When receiving those who may be abrupt, rude, or reactive, resist the temptation of reacting in kind, and instead listen and love; for we are not aware of the burdens others are carrying consciously, and they may not be aware of their unconscious burdens. Offer instead a genuine smile, listen, not with an intention to defend, fix the person or solve their problem. Simply listen, breathe, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the ears to be silent or the words to speak at the appropriate time.
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Photo: Evening rosary walk with Jesus and Mary for some quiet time.
Harrington, S.J. Daniel J. The Gospel of Matthew. Vol. 1 of Sacra Pagina, edited by Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007.
Spiritual Stepping Stones 