Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me,(A) all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.(B) 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,(C) for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.(D) 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Reflection
Are you tired? Are you weary? I was talking to a friend this week and she confessed that she is tired. Not “oh I’ve done so many things today and I need to rest” tired, but “I feel so weary and have no motivation and can’t even explain why” tired.
Are you tired?
While there are so many implications of the Covid pandemic for people, one that I am hearing more and more is how tired and weary people are. My friend referred to it as “Covid Fatigue” – she is not just tired of all things related to Covid, but as a result of the slow-down from Covid, years of going too fast and trying to be all things to all people, has now over-whelmed her. I’m imagining that some of you reading this can relate.
Researchers, counsellors and medical teams may have great wisdom for us on how to cope with this fatigue and all of it might be extremely helpful. Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel give us not only insight, but also a promise; that when we turn to Christ and open ourselves to him, we will find rest for our souls.
Jesus’ “yoke” was a new way of life grounded in love rather than the law. It was the opportunity to embrace the One who is gentle and humble in heart.
On this Labour Day weekend, a long weekend, is there a way that you can turn to Jesus and seek him out? Are there burdens you can hand over to him? Is there something that is causing you to be weary that you can pray about, let go of, forgive? Might you take on Jesus’ yoke (way of life) to free yourself from that which causes you to be weary and burdened?
I know, easier said than done! But perhaps that is where the prayer starts….
Oh God, help me to understand what it means to give over my burdens. Let me not only learn from Jesus but let me trust him enough to share what it is that causes me to be weary. I am tired God. Help me to find peace in you. Amen.
Trinity friends, I know that this Labour Day weekend will not be like any other. I pray that you will laugh long and hard, love deeply, explore something new and find rest in the One whose love for you is beyond what we can imagine. Peace, Tracy
To Listen
