The Lord calls us to rest
to put on his yoke
for he is gentle
and humble of heart
the weight of the world
is not ours to bear
ours is to love
unquestioningly
unconditionally
unceasingly
the weight of this call
is burden enough
this is the weight of the cross
for it is in love that we die
out of love we are saved
through love we shall live
this is burden enough
put down all others
give your worries to God
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Reflection:
Echoing the Psalmist who said, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22), Jesus tells us to take his yoke upon our shoulders, that through him, his gentleness and humility, we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives — about what we will eat, what we will wear, or about tomorrow — for the Father, who provides food for the birds, who clothes the flowers and the grass, will take care of us, whom he loves more than these (Matthew 6:25-34).
Contrast this with the image of Jesus carrying the cross to Golgotha (John 19:17), which brings to mind the story of Isaac carrying the wood for his own sacrifice up the mountain with Abraham (Genesis 22), and we may struggle to imagine Jesus’s yoke being light. He carried the weight of the sins of the world on his back, after all. But we must remember that, through their faith, by casting their burdens upon the Lord, by entrusting their worries, fears, and futures to God, both Jesus and Isaac were saved from death: Jesus through the resurrection, and Isaac until his passing at 180 years old.
We are not called to have easy lives without trial or hardship, but to entrust whatever difficulties and responsibilities we have, and sacrifices we have to make, to the Lord. He may not take away our cross, but he will give us the strength to bear it. Though our worldly burdens may be heavy, he will lighten the burden on our hearts through faith, gentleness, and humility, enabling us to make the walk in, for, and through love.
Question for Meditation:
How might your life change if you truly cast your anxieties, burdens, and hopes onto the Lord and trusted in His gentle yoke?
Related Scripture:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
For Further Reading: If you found value in this post, you may also enjoy Oratio: Carry This Cross
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