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Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds. ” At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

By: The Rev. Joanne Mumley

I found him sitting on the floor, leaning his back against the wall of the OBGYN hallway. With knees folded into his chest, he buried his face into his arms, exposing only the Colors that he wore to symbolize his gang. He was a young father, 17 years old, whose daughter of 29 weeks old (gestation) had died 30 minutes earlier. I had baptized the child with her 14 year old mother and this young father. I facilitated in the sharing of the story of their daughter’s life. They shared their hopes and dreams for her. Sitting down next to him on the floor, I watched his shoulders heave with the waves of grief and pain. (“What words, Lord, could I use to bring him comfort?” I heard: “Be Jesus.”) No words could comfort his soul. Being present as the embodiment of Christ in his suffering was what was needed. We heard a baby down the hall crying. The father said, “That should be my baby girl crying, why did this happen? That should be my baby.” He cried for his little girl. He shared his hopes and dreams for her as he was left with his suffering. This young couple chose life for their child; they loved her even before she was born. They looked forward to their future with their daughter. Their souls suffered at the death of their child because of love. They loved her.

Christ knows their suffering. Can you imagine what it would be like for this young father to have Jesus literally next to him? For him to physically see Jesus yoked to him in his pain? In this passage of Matthew, Jesus shouts out to us, to very our souls. He says, “Come to me.” Jesus has specific instructions for us: Come to me. Take my yoke. Learn from me. Young man, “Come to me.” This is Jesus’ gracious invitation. That he is able to carry your burdens. Our good news is that Christ is with us and most certainly is speaking to us now.

This is His Grace. This is a magnificent claim that in our pain Jesus is found yoked to us. There is peace for you. Come to me. Young man, “Take my yoke.” It is customized by God the Father. It is well fitted, easy and light. The weight of your life is shared when you are connected to Christ. Once again He reminds us that we are not alone; that He has not left us and that He will carry our burdens; if we willingly are yoked to Him. Young man, “Learn from me.” Learn to rely on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Learn that in Christ, you will find rest. You will find deep peace and respite that gives eternal life. Learn the deep peace as He carries your burdens. It is not His duty; it is His love that brings you peace. It is His Body and His Blood where you can find rest in Him.