Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 11, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Scripture Text: 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today is Jesus’ presentation of His gentle mastery in the Gospel of Matthew. Rather than being burdened by the laws of the scribes and the Pharisees, Jesus begins by calling the weary and burden to himself, to relationship with Him. He invites those who come to “take my yoke upon you” – to allow Jesus to lead them, to guide them. Then Jesus describes himself as “meek and humble of heart” and we can picture Him on his knees washing the feet of the disciples or offer the woman caught in adultery a path. Finally, Jesus tells the listener that His “yoke and easy, and my burden light.” And we can accept that because we recognize that Jesus bears it with those who accept His invitation.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I trust Jesus? Have I accepted Jesus’ invitation to take His yoke upon myself? Have I felt His presence, His help, along the Way?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You are “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” You call us to Yourself as Son of God, Savior. And through our baptisms, we “put on Christ.” Help us to stay faithful to that acceptance, to that grace, to that gift to be Yours. Send the Spirit to steady us as we seek to take your yoke upon us daily, accepting Your lead, Your help, Your peace. We long for rest for our souls, and we trust in your promise that we will find that peace with You. Amen.