Word to the Wise
Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Thursday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Isa 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 and Matt 11:28-30]"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." [Matthew]
These are comforting words but, in context, they are also contrasting words. The obligations of the Mosaic Law were sometimes referred to as a "yoke" like the yoke put on oxen. The scribes and Pharisees are not portrayed as "meek and humble" of heart, to be sure. So, Jesus is offering a way that is less burdensome. He offers his teaching as less demanding and challenges the disciples to learn from him. Of course, the Sermon on the Mount is pretty challenging, especially on the psychological side. Loving one's enemies, turning the cheek, reconciliation before worship - these do require effort and they touch on sensitive instincts. Jesus is also likely to be more forgiving and he did not declare anyone "unclean" just because of what they eat or with whom they ate.
The "yoke" of Jesus can be comforting but still requiring faith and action that challenge us on many different levels. He is inviting us to be his disciples. Will we accept the invitation? AMEN