A Jewish proverb says, “I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.” What is your prayer in the face of adversities? - Daily Reflections December 10,2014

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.