Daily Gospel Light advent journey; Wednesday 2nd Week Advent My Yoke is Easy, My Burden Is Light

 DAILY GOSPEL LIGHT ADVENT JOURNEY

First of all I wish to apologise for not having posted these last few days.  I could give you a host of reasons.  It wont change the fact that I did not post seeing that this series was to be a daily series.

I will try my best to post for the remainder of advent but I cannot guarantee that it will be daily.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus speaks of a yoke in the context of offering rest to those who are weary and burdened:

"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."

Meaning of the Yoke in This Passage:

1. A Yoke as a Symbol of Submission: In ancient times, a yoke was a wooden frame placed on the shoulders of animals (like oxen) to harness them for work. Metaphorically, a yoke represents submission to authority or instruction. Jesus invites people to take His yoke, meaning to submit to His teachings and way of life.
   
   
2. Contrast with the Burdens of the Law: Many Jews in Jesus' time were overwhelmed by the heavy burdens of the Pharisaic interpretation of the Law—rigid rules and obligations that felt oppressive. Jesus contrasts His way with these burdens, offering a relationship based on grace, love, and inner transformation.
   
   
3. "My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light": Jesus' "yoke" is not about adding more weight to life but about giving guidance and purpose that leads to true rest. His teachings align with God’s will, which brings peace rather than exhaustion.
   
   
4. Learning from Jesus: Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble, inviting His followers to learn from Him. Unlike other leaders or systems, His yoke is life-giving, not life-draining.
   
   
5. Partnership with Christ: Some interpret the "yoke" as a double yoke, where two oxen share the load. By taking Jesus’ yoke, believers are not carrying burdens alone but walking alongside Him, sharing the load with His strength and support.

The yoke Jesus refers to symbolizes the freedom, peace, and rest found in living under His guidance and grace. It contrasts with the weariness caused by sin, legalism, or striving for self-sufficiency, offering instead a relationship that refreshes and sustains the soul.

 Earlier in the week we celebrated the Immaculate Conception. The Gospel for that feast is the gospel of the Annunciation where Mary says:' I am the handmaid of the Lord'.
If we think about Mary, her role in salvation history and her response to the angel, she was indeed blessed by God.  She was human too- yes born without original sin but remained sinless throughout her life.

In the light of today's Gospel where Jesus invites us to be humble and gentle, and to carry the yoke alongside Him, although not sinless, we too can in our own way be a handmaid of the Lord and let what He says to us be done.  Are we able to learn these lessons and surrender our lives to Him knowing that His yoke is in fact life giving to us.

I hope your advent journey is progressing and enriching.  Let us continue on to Bethlehem and be ready for Jesus to be born in us again.