GOSPEL, Matthew (11: 28-30)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION
Jesus, who is the Father’s Wisdom, reveals God to the humble of heart “28 Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The gentle “yoke” of Jesus means the simple observance of the Law of Love in contrast to the hundreds of prescriptions imposed by rabbis, poisoned by intellectualistic legalism defending a sad religion and a sterile morality without the hope of salvation.
On the contrary, the law of Christ is a light yoke and a light burden: It creates an atmosphere and friendship; it generates joy and confidence and leads man to eternal happiness.
Unfortunately, today there are those who confuse the evangelical message of Christ, the good news of salvation, solidarity and fraternal love, with a set of laws, prohibitions, threats and fears of God’s punishment. His followers carry like slaves a heavy burden of sadness and anguish.
Jesus contrasts a harsh religion of duty with an offer of salvation. He opens the door of the Kingdom first to the poor and meek like him; then he asks for an equal answer, one of love.
We are God’s children through his Spirit that prays within us: Our Father! This is what makes possible for us to give a filial response to God, and optimism for hope and freedom.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord, because your law is based on friendship and love, creating freedom and trust, generating a fruitful and joyful religion. Thank you that, with Your meek and loving heart, you opened the Kingdom to the humble, inviting them later to the full fidelity of authentic Love. Amen.