15th Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 15th July 2021

When Moses asked the name of God, the response was very vague and inexact: I am who I am. God refused a name, unlike all the pagan deities in their surrounding culture. When we attach names and ideas to God, we then try to control God. The message is clear: don’t try to ‘figure God out’ but to know, experience, and serve God. We could have avoided many religious controversies and wars if we had taken this advice.

Sometimes it doesn’t seem like the Lord’s yoke is easy and His burden light! But we have to be clear about the image: we are never promised a life free of pain and struggle. If we had a completely smooth and struggle-free life, we would never learn anything. As your yoke-mate, Jesus pulls the burden along with his to make it easier. When we falter or fail, he pulls harder and makes up for our lack. And since we are yoked to him, he will keep us from wandering off. The yoke of Jesus is love, and love will never let us down. When we feel that life is too much and we can’t handle any more, let us turn to this yoke for the rest and comfort that Jesus promises.

Lord, refresh my soul and give me rest.