Second Week of Advent, Wednesday – 7th December 2022 – Matthew 11,28-30
Burdenless Yoke
As one who is meek and humble of heart, Jesus personifies the first three beatitudes which address the ‘poor in spirit’, the ‘mourners’ and the ‘meek’ (5,3-5). And He offers one of the most appealing and memorable invitations of the gospel. This invitation is of two fold. First, “Come to me”. Being with Jesus and sharing his life is the way of fulfillment, for they are comforted. Next “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me”. Jesus plays with the two words ‘yoke’ and ‘load’. For the Jews used to call ‘load’ the divine teachings imparted to pupils, and ‘yoke’ the balancing of the teacher’s sentences, which should be learned by heart. Learning from Jesus’ teachings and following him is not burdensome (11,30). His way leads to rest, to his Father, and to the fullness of life.
