Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

‘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.’

These beautiful words of Jesus speak directly to the tired and busy soul. They comfort anyone weary, grieving, or weighed down by life’s burdens and promise rest. “Learn from me,” Jesus says, “and you will find rest.” (Matthew 11:29).

But how do we find the deep rest that Jesus speaks of here? We find it through spending time with Jesus, in prayer, in his Word, and especially in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is where we bring all our worries, concerns, and anxieties and hand them over to Jesus. Every time we gather at the altar and receive Communion, we are invited to allow that sacred moment to touch the deep places within us: our wounds, our weaknesses, and our fears, and to restore us with new strength, joy, and love.

So, I take my wounds to the Eucharist. I bring everything: my worries, helplessness and everything that needs healing. And Jesus meets me there, gentle and humble of heart.

We all grow weary. The question is: Do we try to carry life’s burdens alone? Or, do we bring them to Jesus and ask him for the grace and rest we need?

This is what Jesus invites us to do: bring all that you are, and Jesus will meet us where we are.

What if we began each day with this prayer: “Lord, I cannot carry today alone. Place Your yoke upon me. Teach me. Guide me.”

Jesus’ invitation is not only for us to receive rest but also to become his living echo and offer this invitation to others who are weary and burdened.

May we do so with joy.