“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
13th December 2017.
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WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Reading 1: Is 40: 25-31 God describes himself as all-mighty, all-knowing, all-holy; yet he cares for his children; those who hope in him will not grow weary or faint.
Res. Psalm: Ps 102: 1-4, 8, 10My soul, give thanks to the Lord for it is he who forgives all our guilt, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion.
Gospel: Mt 11: 28-30Jesus invites all to come to him, take up his yoke, learn from him, for he is gentle and humble of heart.
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TRADING OUR BURDENS FOR REST!
A man once met a boy carrying a big handicapped boy on his back. “That’s a heavy load you are carrying there,” exclaimed the man. “He isn’t heavy; he’s my brother!” responded the boy. No burden is too heavy when it’s borne in love. Jesus has taught us the power of love through his words and example. In his kingdom sins are not only forgiven but removed, and eternal life is poured out for all its citizens. Only Jesus can lift the burden of sin and the weight of hopelessness from us. Jesus used the analogy of a yoke to explain how we can exchange the burden of sin and despair for a burden of glory and yoke of freedom from sin.
Advent reminds us that God the Son came and took on our human nature and all that goes along with being human. And though He never sinned, He allowed Himself to experience the effects of sin and the burden it imposes. So as God, He is able to look us in the eye and tell us that He understands our hardships because He lived them. He lived them out of love for us so that He could help us endure, joyfully, all we face in life.
Let us reflect today, upon the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” Let Jesus enter into whatever it is that burdens you. Let Him carry the yoke that you carry and give you, instead, the gentle yoke He has prepared for you. The cross you bear may not go away, but it will be transformed and made light in His grace.
Jesus asks us to learn from his own meek and humble heart. In the present competitive world, Jesus remains a beacon of sanity by proposing gentleness and humility to replace the world's aggression, manipulation and coercion. Put on the Lord's yoke of love today. Imitate his humility and learn to be patient with others and with yourself most of all.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, come. May we be prepared to meet You. Let me take upon your yoke, find rest for my soul and be filled with joy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.