The Yoke of Jesus

July 14, Thursday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time
Daily readings: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13B-16 PS 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 Gospel: Mathew 11:25-27

Jesus constantly reminds us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

Sometimes we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. The pressure to get high grades because you need to keep that scholarship. When you think you can’t be physically there for your family because you are working on another continent to give them a good life.

How can we unburden ourselves from all of these? Can’t we give up, walk away, and make our lives easier? But what will happen to us if we do?

In the Gospel reading today, Jesus said: "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. "

A yoke is a wooden piece inserted into a carabao or water buffalo's neck and attached to a plow or wagon to carry a load. If you have observed an animal with this harness, usually the gear they have to pull is heavy, or there’s a lot of effort to remove it because the soil is not soft enough to plow.

But Jesus assures us that with Him, the yoke is light. Despite all the responsibilities on our shoulders, he is there to make it light; it is easier to carry and pull. When it seems like we are all alone, pulling and tugging at our yokes, we always forget how God can help us ease the pain and suffering. We always think God is punishing us with whatever "yokes" we have on our shoulders.

Maybe instead of making a quick escape from everything, and because we cannot ask God for our problems to go away in a snap, we can ask the Lord to "lighten the load" instead.

And also, maybe we can ask ourselves if we can be the "yoke of Jesus" to others instead of being a burden to them. Perhaps we can do that by helping out at home with the chores, helping a friend with his schoolwork, volunteering for charitable work, or running errands for an elderly neighbor. You, too, can help others by alleviating their burdens.

Lord, whenever we feel that the yoke on our shoulders is getting heavy, may we not curse you, but remember that you once carried a cross for all of us. May we constantly remember that whatever yokes life throws at us will become an instrument for us to grow as long as you are with us.