By Newton Basumatari csc.
Readings: Is 40: 25-31; Mt 11: 28-30
In a world filled with constant change and unpredictability, it is natural that we find ourselves wrestling with worries. These concerns may range from personal challenges to global issues, creating a tapestry of anxieties that we navigate daily. As we are in the second week of advent, the readings remind us that at times, our weariness is caused by placing trust in things that are not essential, because we have distanced ourselves from what matters in life. The words of Jesus in the gospel ‘come follow me, who are heavy burdens I will give you rest’, give us hope that God will never disappoint us.
A yoke connects two animals so that they can pull a cart or a plough together. Jesus is using this as a metaphor for his relationship with his followers. He wants us to be yoked with him, to learn from him, and share our burdens with him. He is not imposing a heavy load of rules and regulations on us, but rather is giving us grace and freedom to love one another. He is the source of rest, and he wants us to live a life free from worries and anxieties.
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but he forbids you to worry,” said St. Francis de Sales. We should be at peace, and not let our minds be filled with anxious thoughts and imaginations, but rather with faith and hope in Jesus. We are never alone, and we can always rely on Jesus’ presence and love. As we are in the second week of advent, let us surrender all our anxieties and worries to the Lord, who has promised to give us rest.