REFLECTIONS TODAY

A yoke (Greek zugos) is a piece of wood placed across the necks of draft animals such as oxen or donkeys to enable a pair to pull a plow, cart, or heavy load together. As a yoke enables two to pull as one, the term also denotes a team, as in “yoke of oxen” (1 Kgs 19:19). In its binding function, the yoke often represents slavery or servitude (Gn 27:40). The loosening or breaking of a yoke symbolizes deliverance (Is 58:6). 

The Jews take the yoke as a symbol of submission to Yahweh (Jer 2:20) and speak of the yoke of the Law (Lam 3:27) and of the commandments. Unfortunately, the observance of the Law, though meant to be a joy, has become a burden. Religion has degenerated into the meticulous observance of interpretations and traditions passed off as commandments by the scribes and the Pharisees. These teachers of the Law, Jesus observes, “tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them” (Mt 23:4).

In contrast, Jesus points to the liberating spirit of the Law. He himself willingly bears the burden by obeying the Father’s will. The yoke of God is no longer about burdensome prescriptions but about mercy and love, which have been neglected by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 22:39-40).

Jesus thus does not advocate the removal of the yoke. He offers his yoke. As suggested by the original image of a yoke enabling two oxen to pull as one, Jesus shares the yoke and bears the burden with the disciple, making the yoke easy and the burden light.

Is observing the Church’s laws, like going to Mass, a burdensome yoke to you? Why or why not?

First Reading • Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 

The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord, we look to you; your name and your title are the desire of our souls. My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice.

O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. O Lord, oppressed by your punishment, we cried out in anguish under your chastising. As a woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pains, so were we in your presence, O Lord. 

We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth to wind; salvation we have not achieved for the earth, the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth. But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise; awake and sing, you who lie in the dust. For your dew is a dew of light, and the land of shades gives birth.

Gospel • Matthew 11:28-30 

Jesus said: “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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.