Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s gospel is simple but beautiful. “Jesus said: ‘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.’” Matt. 11:28 - 30
Have you ever spent time really looking at a yoke? There is something very distinct and unique about a yoke – it is meant to be worn by two oxen, two animals. Every definition of the word yoke specifies that a yoke is designed to be worn by two animals, so that they can work together. There is teamwork, comradery and relationship involved in this.
One could read today’s gospel and think that Christ is saying that following Him means that life will be easy and there will be little struggle, but in fact he is telling us the opposite. Jesus does not use the term yoke lightly. He is telling us here that when we live, act and think like Jesus – when we couple ourselves to the yoke with Christ – we will still have burdens to carry but we will not be carrying them alone. We will not be walking in this world by ourselves. We will be walking in-sync with Christ.
But can an oxen simply have a yoke placed upon it and be expected to perform and work with another oxen, completely in-sync? No. In order for a yoke to work, both animals must have a relationship and they must be trained to work together. I read that the oxen are often housed in a shed, away from all other animals, for 7 to 10 days, to adjust to one another and to the yoke. It’s almost as if these oxen go on retreat. Think of yourself now – when is the last time you have taken time – maybe not 7 to 10 days, but even 24 hours, and set it aside for Christ? When is the last time you were able to spend intentional time with the Lord – figuring out this person who is helping you carry your burden and learning your yoke together?
A Dominican sister once told me that each person should commit to going on a retreat of some kind at least once a year. She stressed that no matter who you are and how busy or important you may think you are, this time away with the Lord needs to be a priority. Amidst family, work, friends and all of our other obligations, we need to be mindful and intentional that we are choosing to spend time set apart with Christ. And I think she’s right. It is imperative.
Commit today that you will find that time for retreat – that time to learn your yoke and your yoke mate. Christ wants to carry your burdens with you – to walk this journey side by side, in unison with you. Will you let Him? Amen.
- Amanda Grimm