From Dawn to Daylight

This morning, Good Shepherd celebrated its first Rorate Candlelight Mass at 6:30. The text from Matthew (Mt. 4,18-22) is one of the most loved of all Gospel passages.

Jesus says...

“Take my yoke upon you”. A yoke is a curved piece of wood that ties and links, two “draft” animals who are pulling a heavy load, to one another. (Cows, Oxen, sometimes dogs and sheep). This yoke would keep them together and help guide them in the right direction. The Jewish folk used this image of a yoke for the Mosaic Law. Linked to the Law, one could travel the right path.

Finding Rest in Jesus

Jesus takes this image of a “yoke” and applies it to himself: “Come to me…Take my yoke upon you…” Then he says “I will give you rest”. I have the general impression that committing myself to being a disciple of the Lord is an amazing thing. But it is a long road that I have to walk. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” It’s my yoke that is heavy, not the Lord’s. We all have our own burdens. Jesus calls us to learn from Him.

Finding Rest for Yourselves

“For I am meek and humble of heart…” Maybe it is our job, or struggles in our family. Maybe it is the terrible self-image I have, or the mess I’m in…the weight of past sins. When I am tied to these burdens, life is a difficult road. And then the Lord says something quite different: “You will find rest for yourselves…my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” I like this image, it is something quite beautiful.

The Light of Jesus

Jesus wants his disciples to carry the light of friendship and love from God to people. We, as called disciples of Christ do this when help to carry the burdens of others. When we share the journey with them on that difficult road. Tied and linked together with a yoke…the yoke of Jesus. There are people who desperately need help in carrying their troubles, their struggles and sorrows. We come here, entering from the darkness and walking toward the lightness of dawn and a new day. Let us be a light of hope and joy for those who are sad and lonely.

Dear Friends

During this Advent season and the seasons beyond, we try to live our lives with open eyes and alert ears.

At home, at work and in our free time, let us spread the light of God. It is then that we become true disciples of Christ Jesus. In our longing, let God find us and send us into the world.