Dear Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Visitors,

Jesus speaks of a yoke and a burden. The "yoke" refers to part of the harness used to pull a cart, plow, or mill beam. This instrument was how an animal's master kept them under control and guided them in useful work. Over time, the term "yoke" came to be used metaphorically for submission, typically to a teacher. However, Jesus' use of the metaphor here carries a deeper meaning.

Jesus was addressing a group of people who were struggling under a heavy burden-the Jewish law and the additional standards imposed by the religious leaders of that time. The teachings of the Jewish authorities became a yoke, a burden on the soul. They taught that to be saved, one could not simply believe; one also needed to give a tenth of all one had, avoid all work on the Sabbath (even if it meant neglecting to help someone), pray in prescribed ways, sacrifice according to strict rules, and more. They piled these laws onto people's shoulders in an attempt to guide them toward a holy life, hoping to earn rest for their souls. Yet, their teachings created a burden too heavy to bear, and they did not help people attain salvation. That is why Jesus said to His disciples-and is speaking to us today-"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." What a beautiful invitation!

Jesus is not like the Pharisees, who hold you accountable for every mistake, keep a record of your wrongs, or demand that you fix everything before you can find peace. No, He is gentle and humble of heart. He sees your struggles and suffering. He cares for you. He comes to help, to lift burdens rather than impose them. He lifts our burdens through Confession, Eucharist, and Prayer. He humbly serves you, taking your entire burden and saying, "Give it to me. I will handle it all for you. Your salvation depends on me."

Jesus' yoke is easy. His laws and commandments are manageable. Observing them lightens our burden. He alone offers us rest for our souls! He can provide relief from the law, from sin, from a guilty conscience, from the curse, from the sting of death, and from hell. In this way, we can embrace the easy yoke of peace, joy, and eternal life. We are truly blessed to have Jesus and His yoke!

However, even as peaceful as Jesus' yoke is, it can be refused. For example, one might refuse to come to Mass, to Confession, or to Baptism; one might refuse to live a life worthy of a Christian, among other things. This refusal is how one willingly chooses to take up a Pharisaic yoke instead of that of Jesus. We may also reject the yoke of Jesus by believing we can handle all difficulties in life without God, be it disease, poverty, hunger, or other challenges. In such cases, we often find ourselves frustrated and confused.

A certain song encapsulates this idea:

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear:
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit! O what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Are we weak and heavily laden, cumbered with the load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge: Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise and forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms, He'll take and shield you; you will find solace there!"

So, here's a warning for all of us-don't pick up that heavy yoke again. Trust in Jesus!

Jesus takes all your burdens and gives you every good thing: comfort, confidence, joy, and rest for your soul, to name just a few. Brothers and sisters, let us learn from Jesus. Let us trust in His promises. Let us take His easy yoke and never let it go.

In God's service and yours.

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