Monday March 25

Matthew 11:16-30

Heidi Larson

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus is as angry as we ever see him. The people of the towns are like spoiled, unrepentant children. They are critical of John the Baptist and of Jesus and are self righteous and arrogant. After venting his anger, Jesus gently reminds them that without him and his Father, the Lord of heaven and earth, they are nothing and are “going down.”

Next, Jesus offers an invitation to come to him and lead a humble life of service. If we accept his invitation, we will be rewarded in this life and the next, with boundless love, generous forgiveness, daily hope and life eternal. Attaching ourselves to Jesus’ yoke means reaching out to others and following his example. If we trust Jesus and learn from him how to love and serve others, we will find rest for our souls.

Questions for Reflection:

• In his book, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress Free Living, Dr. Amit Sood suggests “The pursuit of compassion could make us happier than the pursuit of happiness.”  Do you think this is true?

• How will you show compassion or kindness to someone today?

Prayer:

Lord, you are gentle and humble in heart. Help me take your yoke upon me today. Amen.