Gospel Reading: Mt 11:28-30
Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you 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.”
YOU WILL FIND REST
Jesus invites his disciples to draw close to him to find rest. Jesus is not a slave driver. He sends his disciples to work, evangelize, preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons, yes, but he also asks them to rest, pause for a while, and spend ample time recouping their energies and assessing their performance. Jesus’ religion is not all work or activism. His followers must find time to be with him in a relaxed and prayerful mode. Jesus is making a strong statement to those who mistakenly think that discipleship is all activity, leaving no time to rest and to pray. Jesus rejects all kinds of exaggerations, like a lifestyle full of activities and commitments, even if they are done in his name. God knows our real needs. We may commit ourselves to so many parish activities, not because we love Jesus and the Church, but because we have a deep-seated need to be acknowledged by others and so do not give others a chance to serve. Jesus will appreciate more what we are doing for him if we demonstrate equilibrium in our family, social, professional, and church life.
Do you have time to stop and pray without hurrying up? Do you keep Jesus in command over your life? Do you spend quality time with the Lord?
SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.