The Yoke of Grace

December 10 Wednesday the Second Week

ISAIAH 40:25-31; MATTHEW 11:28-30

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

Advent is waiting. What are you waiting for?

For relief from life’s burdens? For a deep peace of soul that will help you bear them?

The readings say “Be aware!” Awareness is what Advent is all about.

Be aware that nothing is a problem for God. “Lift up your eyes and see!” He “created all these things.” He “does not faint nor grow weary. He gives strength.”

He does it by becoming our yoke mate. He joins himself, with the strength of his divinity, to us in the weakness of our humanity, and together we carry the load. We don’t carry it alone. He carries it with us.

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

If we have enough trust to get under the same yoke with him, we will find “rest for our souls.” Walking with Jesus is not always easy. But compared to going it alone, he says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

So what are you waiting for?

To be “yoked” with Jesus is to do everything in union with him: his divinity, your humanity working together. Whatever your burden, let him carry it with you, in you and through you.

Pray (all day): 

“Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this though me.”

 Practice:

Whenever you feel overburdened, shift some of the weight to Jesus.