Passage of the Day:
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. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “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. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:25-30.
Reflection:
Prior to today’s passage, Jesus rebukes the unrepentant towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Based upon Jesus’ words to the adults in these places, complacency appears to have set in. Perhaps, this is a byproduct of a lukewarm spirit that caused many to take Jesus for granted. Whatever the reason for this disdain, Jesus turns his attention to young children. Before these little ones become overwhelmed by the worries of life, Jesus introduces the solution to refreshing a weary soul.
Prayerful Action:
This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity,[c] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint,” Jeremiah 31:23-25.
Refreshing Your Soul:
Today’s two passages highlight a common theme, one from the Old and another from the New Testament. While the circumstances and context are different, God promises to refresh the weary souls of Israelites who endured living in captivity. Meanwhile, Jesus offers a personal invitation to the children of unrepentant parents so that if they ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life, they would know where to go to unload the burdens deep inside their hearts in prayer.
Song of the Day:
Whenever I find my soul battered, overburdened and weary, today’s attached song lifts me up. May the lyrics of Ron David Moore’s song remind you of Jesus’ invitation to all who need to be refreshed from a weary soul.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 