When someone approaches us in our difficulty and says, “May I help you,” what is our usual response? It is either, “Thank you very much; so kind of you,” or “No, it’s okay, I can manage.” Perhaps it is more natural for us to project to others that we can manage life’s demands on our own. I was trained to fend for myself very early in life and so as a grown-up I was not very comfortable when my mother one time bought me a shirt. I thought I could buy a shirt on my own, but then I realized I also felt good about it because I felt her love for me. Jesus knows how people are struggling with life’s difficulties and burdens. That is why he invites them to come to him. What is peculiar, however, is that instead of helping them to carry their burdens, Jesus offers them his own “yoke” that, he says, is easy and light. It may be good at times to put down our own cares and burdens and take on those of Jesus.

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. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”