(Optional Memorial for Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr)
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| “Christ the Consoler” by Ary Scheffer, 1837 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Exodus 3:13-20
Commentary on Ex 3:13-20
This passage continues Moses' interview with God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb. Moses first tries to get God to give a name that he can use to tell the leaders of the people of Israel who it is that sent him. God’s response is a non-response: “I am who am.” Existing without a proper name, God is beyond control of mankind.
He continues his instruction telling Moses that the king of Egypt (Pharaoh) will not simply allow the people of Israel to leave. He prophetically promises to smite Egypt and in response the people will be sent away.
CCC: Ex 3:13-15 205; Ex 3:14 446, 2666, 2810
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27
Psalm 105 is a hymn of thanksgiving. In the first strophe we see a call to invoke the name of God whose name can only be God or I AM (see Exodus 3:14) . The song continues to remember the story of Moses’ call to go to Egypt.
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Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30
Commentary on Mt 11:28-30
In this passage, Jesus invites those burdened by the yoke of Pharisaic Law to believe in him. Obedience to the word of Christ is much easier than the complex rules of the Law under scribal interpretation. This “wisdom” saying of Jesus builds upon that found in Sirach 51:23-27.
With heart-piercing tenderness, Jesus' invitation to peace and salvation is best expressed in these two verses. The Lord invites us to be placed under the authority of his word ("Take my yoke…"), and there we will find rest. Jesus addresses all who are burdened by the requirements of the lives they live. He offers them the help of God, who takes those burdens of pain, fear, and fatigue upon himself, replacing them with the yoke of God’s kingdom. Quoting Jeremiah 6:16, he calls the weary to follow his way.
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Reflection:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
What a gracious invitation from Jesus. Scripture scholars tell us that the reference in this passage is to the burden of Pharisaic Law with all its complex requirements that made it difficult even to go about one’s daily business without violating some minute requirement. This, say those who study the ancient texts, was the original purpose for the statement.
For those of us who walk in the world and hear the simple words: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” say much more, don’t they? They invite us to place all of life’s burdens at the feet of Christ. His invitation tells us he will take away the fears and sorrows, the anxiety and dread we feel, and leave in their place, peace.
It is so simple an offer. We can almost feel it being made as he hung upon the cross for us. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” He takes away the intense guilt we feel, he washes us from all the ways in which we have turned from him, and leaves us light and pure.
What is the catch, our skeptical inner voice may ask? The catch is that we must open our hearts and accept that invitation. We need to put the burdens down, not cling to them as we often do. We must lay our hatred, our jealousy, our greed, and our fear at his feet. If we can do that, his tender yoke is indeed no burden at all, and we will have peace.
Pax
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