OUR YOKE WITH JESUS
For
many of us, the word “yoke” has little or no meaning. We may not even
be familiar with a yoke. The people who lived during Jesus’ time would
know that a yoke is tailored to fit a specific team of oxen working in
the field. It’s not a “one size fits all” thing. It is specifically made
for the individual team of oxen, so that it feels like second skin and
provides as much comfort as possible to enable them to do the maximum
amount of work with minimum discomfort.
Now what does the yoke of Jesus refer to when He says, “Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me…”? When Jesus asks us to take the yoke, He
proposes that we make Him our yoke-mate. The yoke, in fact, belongs to
Him and He only invites us to team up with Him. The yoke of Christ does
not mean Jesus will pass on the burden to us. Rather, He would like us
to share our burdens with Him. To take the yoke of Christ is to know
that we are not pulling the yoke alone with our own power but we do it
together with Christ and by the strength that comes from Him. He is not
just a teacher who gives us homework, then leaves us
alone to figure it out. He is also a friend who helps us do it. He is
not just a supervisor who gives us work but a colleague who helps us
accomplish our task. He is not a leader who commands, “Go!” but a
servant leader who invites, “Let’s go!”
Jesus does not promise an end to our suffering or a problem-free life.
His doctrine is not the problem-free philosophy offered by the
prosperity gospel preachers. What He tells us is that He will not give
us what we cannot bear. He will help us carry our burdens and face our
adversities courageously. We, too, should remember that the yoke upon
our shoulders was placed there by our gentle and loving Master. Jesus is
always with us and will never abandon us. Knowing that Jesus is on our
side, there is nothing too difficult that we cannot bear. When we hold
on to His promise, we will pass the test and will get out of our
adversities a
much better and stronger person. Fr. Joel Jason
REFLECTION
QUESTION: A Jewish proverb says, “I ask not for a lighter burden, but
for broader shoulders.” What is your prayer in the face of adversities?
Whenever
I am tired and burdened by life’s trials, help me to remember that You
are there, Lord, ready to carry my burden with me and to give me
comfort.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment