PRI Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel

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.”

Reflection

Most of us think about work as something that’s a burden. Something we have to do. But Jesus is inviting his disciples to reimagine it. That the work that Jesus has been given is not a work that he does, but a work that God does through him. So what he's longing for his disciples to understand is the yoke of being a follower of Christ is not to be the source of the work, but to be the vessel of the work.

And when you understand that, you'll understand how easy it is and how light a burden it is to allow something to work through you, rather than labor at being the source itself.

Closing Prayer

Father, you keep telling us over and over again you dwell within us, you are in our hearts. When we align our wills to yours, we will find ourselves accomplishing things beyond our imagining. It's not our work, it is our participation in your work. Bless us with that kind of acceptance and peace. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross