Jesus invites us who are burdened to go to him in order to rest. Life is not all activities, family concerns, and mission. It is also taking time to break from work. Though there is so much work to do, Jesus values rest. He does not demand all our time and energy. He enjoins us to rest.
Taking rest is part of human existence and survival. Jesus, too, rests after a long, busy day. He spends time in prayer and solitude. Not all the time he has to be with the crowds. He finds time to spend intimate moments with his Father.
Jesus wants us to go to him for rest. If we rest in him, we will learn more about life. The practice of religion should not be stressful. If we are more tired than rested when we are involved in our parishes or communities, we have to think again and examine our motivations. We may not be following Jesus at all, but ourselves.
In our parishes, many get sick because of overfatigue. Too many roles are given us or we appropriate them thinking we can do better. Jesus delegates his work to the Apostles. He believes they can do it, so they deserve to relax with him.
Gospel • MATTHEW 11:28-30
Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2019,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.