Isn’t it true that one of life’s greatest burdens is having burdens that are unnecessary? There are certainly times when we have a lot to do. And there are times when we have a lot of people or things demanding our attention and care. But some of the happiest people in the world are the busiest people and they are those who care the most (about things worth caring about).
This weekend’s Gospel (Matthew 11, 25-30) indicates that one of the greatest burdens we have is our constant engagement with the trivial and the unimportant, with the temporary and the passing, and with the ultimately uncontrollable and unpredictable. The central issue for Jesus is not whether we shall be burdened, but with what we shall be burdened? The question is not “shall we be yoked?” but “to what and with whom shall we be yoked?”
Jesus has no interest in unburdening us from our exaggerated self-esteem and from other modern infatuations (which are themselves debilitating burdens), in order to leave us with nothing to carry or no work to do. Instead, He is interested in lifting off our backs the burdens that drain us and suck the life out of us, so that He can place on our shoulders His own yoke, His “burden” – which brings to us (and to others, through us), new life, new energy, and new joy.
Jesus says that God the Father’s incomparable, compassionate forgiveness is a gift that frees us to grow deeper in love and in joyful obedience. We are called not only to find peace, refreshment, and rest for ourselves, but also to live the kind of life through which others, too, may find God’s peace, His refreshing and rejuvenating grace, and the joy of placing our lives in His hands.
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“You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, God of truth. I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” Psalm 31
