WEDNESDAY, DEC 13
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said to the crowds:
“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.”
Grace: I ask for the grace to know Jesus in a deeper way that I may abundantly love and follow him.
I recall a ritual I began with my daughter when she was little. Late afternoons, when I could finally rest, I would call her to me and tell her that I needed my five-minute hug. She would play hard-to-get, but eventually allowed me to gather her onto my lap. The hugs never lasted more than a minute, but that minute was like heaven to me as I silently held her to impart all the love that I had to give in that moment. I, in return, felt as though I had received all of her essence once again. I ponder if she thought the hugs were to appease me, but perhaps they were the bit of heaven for her to receive. It is in this spirit that I contemplate the call of Jesus and become captivated by the sight and sound of Jesus bidding me to come to him. Oh, the distance from the “here” where I stand to the “there” where he awaits seems like a bridge too far. But, I feel his constant gaze pulling me toward him. Free of hesitation, I start on the path that becomes a shedding ground of everything and everyone that hinders the very steps carrying me toward a love which bears no other burden than the freedom to deeply love. As I approach him, slowly I reach out to touch his chest and my head gently follows where my hand is laid. He allows me to rest my ear against his beating heart and feel the rise and fall of his breathing. There are no words exchanged. In this life force of his humanity, I find my rest. It is where I learn about true life and the true freedom necessary to live out my purpose in service to his Kingdom. A lightness of being comes from bridging the distance, however broad or wrought with obstacles—a lightness that bespeaks the One to whom I belong.
For Reflection and Prayer:
How am I feeling labored or burdened at present?
How do I imagine Jesus giving me rest?
How do I respond to Jesus’ call to “Come to me,” “Take my yoke,” or “learn from me”?
The Contributor:
Laila Arias is a spiritual director. She received her formation through St. Peter Upon the Water, and was formed in guiding the Spiritual Exercises through the Magis Program S.A. Praying the Exercises has been transformative for Laila, increasing her capacity to live her God-given purpose and capacity to love.
Learn more about Magis Ignatian Spirituality Programs
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.