Wednesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Saint Damasus I, Pope
Gospel – Matthew 11:28-30
“Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light”. The passage from Matthew 11:28-30 beautifully invites us into a relationship of trust, surrender, and partnership with Jesus. The imagery of the yoke, a tool designed for shared work and mutual support, offers a profound insight into how we are meant to live our lives in alignment with Him. A yoke typically binds two animals together so that they can work in unison, sharing the burden and moving forward as a team. When Jesus says, “Shoulder my yoke and learn from me,” He’s extending an invitation to join Him in a shared journey. It’s not a call to labor under a crushing weight but to walk in harmony with Him, who carries the greater part of the burden. The promise of rest for our souls underscores that this partnership is one of love, not toil, where the heaviness of life is lightened by His gentle and humble presence. Advent, as a season of waiting and preparation, reminds us of this invitation to walk alongside Jesus. It is not merely a time of looking forward to His coming but also a time to reflect on His constant companionship. Jesus doesn’t just call us to meet Him at the finish line; He invites us to journey with Him every step of the way, sharing our struggles, joys, hopes, and fears. In embracing His yoke, we learn His way of gentleness and humility, qualities that transform how we experience the challenges of life. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we find peace and strength in His presence. This is the heart of Advent—a call to slow down, align ourselves with Jesus, and rediscover the lightness of living in His grace. It’s a season to trust that He not only walks with us but also makes the path lighter and the journey more meaningful. Let’s reflect: How might I embrace Jesus’ invitation to walk alongside Him more intentionally in my daily life, especially during this Advent season?
Don Giorgio