The Gospel this weekend is a favorite and one I turn to frequently.

“Come to me, all 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.”

I would hear this Gospel passage regularly when I would go on pastoral visits with Fr Mark Peacock. He used this passage when he was anointing someone, as it would bring them comfort in their time of affliction. It was hard for me to relate to, except when I was stressed, but it still provided comfort. Now I relate in a very different capacity, and this reading I have marked in my Bible. As we go through different seasons of life, burden and rest look different. We all have burdens of varying degrees. What is important is that they all are heavy. Some may carry heavy burdens of complete brokenness, while others may carry burdens of uneasiness. Regardless of the weight of the burden, they are just that, burdens! Jesus wants to help us carry ALL burdens. When we hear “take my yoke upon you,” we need to understand Jesus is referencing a double yoke. One for Jesus and one for us. He helps carry those burdens, so we are not alone. There have been times that I know this is true as I would not have survived a burden or weight without His help. Do you allow Jesus to carry your burdens, or do you try to shoulder them all yourself? What do you need to surrender to Him so that you can find rest? This week may you find true rest in Him and know of the peace only Jesus can offer.