Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 13, 2023

Date: Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – Memorial of St. Lucy  

 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 for today shares Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and to those in the crowd following to truly “come to” Him and to take on His yoke and He will give them rest. They would have understood that Jesus was telling them to give Him control, to let Him direct their words, actions, lives. Jesus also promises the listeners that if they come, they will learn from Christ. In Him they will experience One meek and humble of heart and learn the ways of “the way” as a disciple.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I truly turned to Christ and given Him control? Have I accepted His yoke? Am I truly His, a Christian, or am I only using the title? Have I sought to learn from Him?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You so love us that You sent your only begotten and most beloved Son to dwell among us, taking on the life of a human, though He was the Son of God. Through Him, we came to know You, Father, Abba. Through Him and His sacrifice, we were reconciled to You. Send your Spirit upon us so that we have the courage to accept His “yoke”, to give Him control and to allow Him to direct us through His teachings, through His example, and through the Spirit. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.