Reflection for July 05, 2020

In these times of stress, the Lord's invitation is one to share with others

Sister Jane Riha

“Come to me, all of 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.” (Matthew 11: 28-30)

This significant invitation comes from the heart of God who deeply loves each person. God desires to compassionately and gently heal the suffering and lift the heavy burdens born by so many especially due to the pandemic. No doubt, the invitation “to rest” is a deep longing of many. This resting in God requires a letting go and surrender so that one can feel the calm and peace that the Lord desires to give.

The extent of stress, trauma, and anxiety is keenly conveyed in daily news or perhaps in communication with family and friends. We have had to learn to live differently in the face of this reality. Considering all that bombards us each day, there remains the compelling invitation to rest in the humble and meek heart of the Lord. Can you accept the invitation?

The invitation is a call to approach our circumstances humbly so that the yoke of suffering is not overwhelming. As a community of God’s beloved people, each of us is invited to bring rest to others and help lift the burdens born by our companions on life’s journey. The humble and meek God bends down to lift us up. We are impelled to do the same for all of our brothers and sisters.