Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Matthew 11: 28-30
July 17, 2025 | Thursday

Today’s Gospel

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy; and my burden is light.”

Today’s Reflection

A yoke binds together two oxen that carry the same load and make it lighter if they act in unison as a team. What a thoughtful, tenderhearted, and touching invitation from Jesus that we go to Him whenever we face burdens in our lives. From time to time, we will be faced with difficulties, disappointments, and other dire circumstances. At times like these, especially when the resolution of our problems is no longer apparent to us, Jesus calls upon us to go to Him so we may experience His comfort and consolation.

Jesus invites us to be bound to Him in a yoke of faith and love. A yoke is seemingly heavy, but it is easier for the oxen to pull the plow or cart to lighten the burden because it is now shared. Even as it points us in the right direction, it ensures that all our actions are geared to that direction that Jesus has set for us. Accepting to be yoked to Jesus binds us into an intimate and personal relationship with Him wherein He leads us to become like Him, be “meek and humble of heart,” and find rest for ourselves.

Being yoked to Jesus does not mean all the troubles and tumults that weigh down our lives will be removed. When we accept Him and infuse His Gospel into our thoughts, words, and deeds, we learn to view events and things from the perspective of His providential plan and protection to make sense of our struggles, sufferings, and sorrows in the light of His redemptive sacrifice to save us. As we repose full faith and complete confidence in Jesus, our earthly load or labors are lightened as we pray for the grace of the peace, repose, and joy He offers as He guides us on the path to life eternal.

/Vulnerasti, 2025