Matthew 11:28-30 NRSVue

²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
I imagine Jesus saying these words to me, now.

Reflection
What burdens am I carrying? Can I share them with Jesus?

Reflection
I am often weary, Lord, and my burden feels heavy on me. When I look at Christians, some of them indeed seem relaxed and easy in your company. Others appear uptight and driven, not restful people to be near. You are a gentle, humble presence. If I feel under pressure in prayer, something is wrong. It is a sign of your presence to me that my soul feels rested.

Reflection
It is important not to rush this precious text just because it is familiar. Can I stop and hear Jesus speak these words to me, mulling each phrase over slowly? Which phrase -- or phrases -- is/are specially meant for me?

Reflection
Am I weary and burdened? Am I ripe for the challenge of God's yoke? Do I need God's gentle touch? Does my soul long for rest? Can I allow the Lord to speak to me?

Reflection
Jesus, you offer me rest and comfort in an invitation that is maternal in its tenderness. You speak these words to me as if for the first time. In that promise of rest there is a hint of the Sabbath, and I remember St. Augustine’s prayer: Lord give us the peace of quiet, the peace of the Sabbath, a Sabbath with no evening. /Da nobis, Domine, pacem quietis, pacem sabbati, sabbati sine vespere./